2 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org contents onThe featured birdthe for the 2015 Festivalcover is the Red-cockaded welcome 4 Woodpecker, an endangered species that makes its home in BNA membership 5 mature pine forests. The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is best festival information 6 seen in Brevard County in the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park and in nearby Orange County in the Hal Scott silent auction & art show 7 Regional Preserve & Park. Presentations and Field Trips sponsors & partners 8 during the Festival will introduce you to these interesting exhibitors 9 birds. The Red-cockaded Woodpecker has an ecological niche in the life of our pine forests. We used two different photos of these hard-to-photograph birds to show a juvenile, Key Note Speakers 10 with the identifying red coloring on the head, and an adult. ELSA ALVEAR 11 We thank Roy Thoman and Roy Halpin for their admirable JEFF BOUTON 12 patience and determination in making these two classic and enviable photographs that grace the 2015 Festival Program BILL THOMPSON III 13 cover. JULIE ZICKEFOOSE 14 The Waiting Game: Photographing Field Trips 15 the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Photo by Roy Thoman Classroom 29 I’ve photographed the Birding Festival for many years now. I was asked if I had any photos of a Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. This is a hard bird to find, let alone photograph, so no, I didn’t have any RCW photos. Thanks to last year’s Photography & Digiscopy 37 fieldtrip to St. Sebastian River State park, I knew where some would be nesting. After a two mile hike, I was able to locate a nest cavity with chicks. So the waiting game began. The adult bird would return to the nest every World Digiscoper Meeting 44 20 minutes (it felt like hours!) and stay for 2 tenths of a second. Thanks to 5.5 frames per second, I was able to get a few photos! In this photo, the bird landed on a tree close by after feeding the chicks. I got one photo, this one. I used a Nikon D600 with a Sigma 50-500mm lens at 500mm. My settings Pelagic Birding Trip 46 were ISO800, f/6.3, 1/500sec. I shoot in manual mode. I also used a monopod and a nearby tree to lean on to steady the shot and, more importantly, to hide myself. Special Features & Family Fun 47

Photographing the Red-Cockaded Local Area Information 51 Woodpecker Photo by Roy Halpin Water Adventures 54 Red-cockaded Woodpeckers nest early. When I was tasked to provide a photo was for the 2015 SCBWF program, l was skeptical as to being map inside back fold-out assured of a photo. I searched three days from central to North Florida before finding an active nest. If a nest is not active it is very hard to film this bird in suitable light. After finding an active nest in the Ocala Every effort was made to assure the accuracy of the information National Forest, I spent another three days filming. The young birds fledged within this publication; however, the Brevard Nature Alliance in 4 days after the find. I was shooting Digiscoping equipment, Kowa TSN- cannot guarantee total correctness due to possible human 884, 25-60X eyepiece, Paul Sayegh’s Digidapter, Lumix GX-7 camera body, and/or mechanical error. Lumix 20mm f1.7 ll ASPH Lens.

3 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org welcometo Florida's Space Coast & the 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival The Brevard Nature Alliance is proud to assemble a prestigious group of locally, nationally and internationally recognized scientists, biologists, photographers, ornithologists, naturalists, artists and authors. Additionally, the Brevard Nature Alliance is fortunate to continue relationships with the many sponsors, partners and volunteers who support the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival. Lastly, we could not present this premier event without the variety of bird species that come to us via the Atlantic Flyway and the plethora of wildlife and plants that make their home on Florida’s Space Coast. The Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival focuses on the abundance and diversity of the natural world around us, from the Atlantic Ocean westward through the estuary system to the St. Johns River and surrounding wetlands. Educational emphasis is placed on the preservation and management of species and their habitats, as well as the cultural heritage and historical venues to be found in East Central Florida. The Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival features bird and wildlife watching opportunities, nature and technology tours, boat and kayaking trips, field trips, seminars, workshops, photography sessions and evening keynote presentations. The Brevard Nature Alliance partners with a number of businesses and organizations ---local, national and international---for each Festival in order to offer a variety of immediately topical presentations, field experiences and published authors. For the 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival, we are teaming with Swarovski Optik to focus on the emerging and popular photography method, Digiscoping. The concept is simple. Place a digital camera next to the eyepiece of a spotting scope and fire away, but, there is more than the concept to consider. Clay Taylor, along with his group of erudite digiscopers, have planned a week-long program to introduce you to Digiscoping and for the more experienced, challenge your skills by offering new techniques. See the Program Section devoted to Digiscoping for specics. Thank you for attending the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival. We invite you to the Afternoon Socials - held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday - as they are your chance to meet and mingle with attendees, presenters, field trip leaders, sponsors, and exhibitors from around the world, as well as the Festival staff and volunteers. Plan a visit to Historic Downtown Titusville on Wednesday for our opening Welcome Reception as we team with the Titusville Playhouse at the Historic Emma Parrish Theater, or go for a stroll through the specialty shops, art galleries and enjoy a meal at one of our fine area restaurants. The Brevard Nature Alliance history of the festival staff Brevard Nature Alliance & Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Laurilee Thompson, Founder brevard nature alliance Rhonda Harris, Director of Operations • The Brevard Nature Alliance, Inc. (BNA) was formed in December 1998 Neta Harris, Financial Services Coordinator to provide a strategic alliance among all Brevard stakeholders for natural Dianne George, Community Relations Coordinator resource initiatives. The BNA is chartered as a not-for-profit corporation Volunteers from this community are the life of every activity offered during the under the laws of the state of Florida and is designated by the Internal Festival. These dedicated people bring a diverse energy to the tasks that help to make Revenue Service as a 501 ( c ) (3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. the Festival a success. In all of the evaluations we receive regarding the effectiveness of the Festival, the attitude, helpfulness and caring of the people on the front line of BNA members are a coalition of representatives from key organizations contact have always been given the highest marks of satisfaction. Visit the Volunteer who combine their knowledge to protect the distinct ecology and raise section on www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org the awareness of citizens and visitors to the value and importance of the natural resources of Brevard County, Florida. Brevard Nature Alliance Board of Directors & Staff Bart Gaetjens, Chair/FP&L • The mission of the Brevard Nature Alliance, Inc. is to build public awareness and appreciation of the value of Brevard County's natural Steve Bankert, Community Advocate resources by fostering and promoting ethical nature based ecotourism. Virginia Barker, Treasurer/Brevard County NRMO Anne Birch, The Nature Conservancy • The Alliance serves as one of the primary advocates of community- Sue Carlson, Secretary/Community Advocate based nature activities in Brevard County, dedicated to the enrichment Robert Day, Community Advocate of the community through an understanding and appreciation of natural Melinda Donnelly, UCF resources, nature-based tourism and ecosystem needs. Nancy Evans, Fairfield Inn and Suites • The BNA seeks to increase awareness of the County's natural resources Don George, Vice Chair/GEOMAR and work with the community toward sensible growth management. The Aliona Groh, Embraer BNA does this by offering technical and funding support to educational Vince Lamb, Community Advocate projects such as the annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival, Martha Long, Titusville City Council organizing community workshops to form a strategic conservation plan Carol Noble, Canaveral Port Authority for the County as part of the Brevard Tomorrow Initiative, providing environmental documentation to myregion.org and working with Brevard Laurilee Thompson, Dixie Crossroads Restaurant County to enhance functional ecological design for new development. Beth Ann Tucker, Community Advocate Keith Winsten, Brevard Zoo 4 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS: 2015 MEMBERSHIP (PLEASE SELECT ONE) APPLICATION $20 Gopher Tortoise Level join us $50 Scrub Jay Level First Name______Last Name______ $100 Roseate Spoonbill Level $150 Alligator Level Street Address______ $250+ Sand Hill Crane Level City______State______Zip______BUSINESS/CORPORATE Phone______Email Addresess ______MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS: (PLEASE SELECT ONE) Business/Organization Name______ $250 Osprey Level Business URL______ $500 Indigo Snake Level o By checking this box, I attest to being a Nature-based Service Provider. *A Nature-based Service $1,000 Sea Turtle Level Provider is defined as any business, organization, or individual conducting ethical educational, recreational, or $5,000 Panther Level research-based activities with the involvement of the general public. $10,000+ Live Oak Level If a Business/Corporate Member, please state your business objectives for joining the Brevard Nature Alliance (50 words max.): ______PAYMENT OPTIONS: ______ Pay with Credit Card. ______Visit brevardnaturealliance.org o By checking this box, I agree to support the Brevard Nature Alliance’s goals and objectives and or call 321-268-5224 will actively promote the mission of the Brevard Nature Alliance. Pay by Check. Send invoice o I give permission to the Brevard Nature Alliance to use my name in on-line and printed materials to address provided above as a member in good standing. Pay by Check. Send invoice o Please do not send e-mail. I prefer to have correspondence from Brevard Nature Alliance to the following address: delivered to me via US Postal Service. ______(Make checks payable to Brevard Nature Alliance and mail to: PO Box 517, Titusville, FL 32781-0517)

BUSINESS/CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS: membership options Osprey Level - $250 1. Print copies of Adventure Guide and Festival Program 2. 2 Birding Festival Registration fees (value of $40) ALL members receive the following standard membership benefits: 3. Table space at Annual Meeting 1. Thank you letter signed by Chair of the Board 4. Business name included in the Members Section at BrevardNatureAlliance.org 2. BNA Member decal with essential numbers 3. Quarterly newsletter via e-mail and in next printing of Adventure Guide 4. Invitation to Annual Meeting Indigo Snake Level - $500 1. Print copies of Adventure Guide and Festival Program Additional benefits to Nature-based Service Providers:* 2. 4 Birding Festival Registration fees (value of $80) NBSPs in good standing will receive the membership benefits at any level of their choosing, as well as the following: 3. Table space and logo on signage at Annual Meeting + Prominent listing as Member Provider in the Provider Directory at 4. Business name and URL included in the Members Section at BrevardNatureAlliance.org. BrevardNatureAlliance.org and in next edition of Adventure Guide + Discounted sponsorship rates (15% off) for Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival. Sea Turtle Level - $1,000 1. Print copies of Adventure Guide and Festival Program INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS: 2. 4 Birding Festival Registration fees (value of $80) Gopher Tortoise Level - $20 Includes all standard membership benefits 3. Table space, logo on signage, and podium remarks at Annual Meeting Scrub Jay Level - $50 4. Business logo and URL included in the Members Section at 1. Print copies of Adventure Guide and Festival Program BrevardNatureAlliance.org , business logo included in printed BNA brochure and in 2. 1 Birding Festival Registration Fee (value of $20) next printing of edition of Adventure Guide Roseate Spoonbill Level - $100 Panther Level - $5,000 – Includes 25% discount on SCBWF sponsorship 1. Print copies of Adventure Guide and Festival Program 1. Print copies of Adventure Guide and Festival Program 2. 2 Birding Festival Registration Fees (value of $40) 2. 6 Birding Festival Registration fees (value of $120) 3. Name included in the Members Section at BrevardNatureAlliance.org 3. Table space, logo on signage, podium remarks and giveaways at Annual Meeting Alligator Level - $150 4. Business logo, URL, and 25 word profile included in the Members Section at 1. Print copies of Adventure Guide and Festival Program BrevardNatureAlliance.org, business logo included in printed BNA brochure and in 2. 2 Birding Festival Registration fees (value of $40) next edition of Adventure Guide 3. Name included in the Members Section at BrevardNatureAlliance.org and in next Live Oak Level - $10,000+ – Includes 30% discount on SCBWF sponsorship edition of Adventure Guide 1. Print copies of Adventure Guide and Festival Program Sand Hill Crane Level - $250+ 2. 6 Birding Festival Registration fees (value of $120) 1. Print copies of Adventure Guide and Festival Program 3. Table space, logo on signage, podium remarks and giveaways at Annual Meeting 2. 4 Birding Festival Registration fees (value of $80) 4. Business logo, URL, and 50 word profile included in the Members Section at 3. Name included in the Members Section at BrevardNatureAlliance.org and in next BrevardNatureAlliance.org , business logo included in printed BNA brochure and in edition of Adventure Guide next edition of Adventure Guide 5 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org

the festival opening welcome reception An Evening with Julie Zickefoose Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:00pm-8:30pm; Titusville Playhouse Inc. at the Historic Emma Parrish Theatre; $30 includes keynote and reception. festival Directions: leave the EFSC Titusville campus and proceed S on N Washington Ave (US1, left turn) for 2.1 miles; Julia St is on the right, information however parking is to the left of the theatre. • Contact the festival office by phone at 321-268-5224 or by e-mail You are cordially invited to spend an evening with Julie at the newly to [email protected]. Our mailing address is P.O. renovated Titusville Playhouse in historic downtown Titusville. Box 517, Titusville FL 32781-0517. 6:00pm-7:00pm – Playhouse Lobby. Wind down with your choice of wine, beer or cocktail at the Sponsored by • The office is staffed from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through cash bar. Enjoy heavy hors d’Oeuvres prepared Friday. Office functions will move to Eastern Florida State College by our local chefs. Serve yourself to scrumptious - Titusville campus (1311 North US 1, Titusville, FL 32796) on Jan. deserts from our best bakers. 20, 2015 to facilitate the set-up of the Exhibit Center. Our telephone 7:15pm – Find your seat – ushers will be available numbers and email address remain the same for contact during the to assist you at this time or earlier in the evening. Festival. 7:30pm-8:30pm – Julie Zickefoose ** Please note – parking will be in the lot across the street and directly • The Festival Registration Desk is located in the Lobby of the east of the Playhouse. Titusville police will be available to ensure safety Gymnatorium and will be open each day to facilitate early Field Trips. in crossing the street on arrival and departure. Additional parking will be directed by the Titusville police. Tuesday, Jan. 20 – 1:00pm to 5:00pm for courtesy pick up of ID and Welcome Bag only. Titusville Playhouse 50th Anniversary Wednesday, Jan. 21 through Saturday, Jan 24 – 6:00 am The Titusville Playhouse was established in the historic Emma Parrish to 4:00 pm Theatre on August 26, 1965. In celebration of the Titusville Playhouse Sunday, Jan. 25 – 6:00 am to 10:00am (Festival closes 50th Anniversary, TPI is undergoing a 3-year renovation and expansion at 1 pm) project to improve the quality and experience of patrons and artists in Northern Brevard County. The theatre has experienced a renaissance • Food service will be available Wednesday through Sunday in the the last three years and is producing quality community productions, Snack Bar area as follows: expanded its youth education programs, and has demonstrated financial • Free Coffee or Hot Tea provided by the Brevard Nature sustainability. Alliance – available for you to serve yourself Wednesday We want each of you to enjoy today and every day through Sunday. you chose to spend with us for the 18th Annual • Lunch: Variety of items served 11am-2pm by local food Festival. service providers in the snack bar as well as outside concessions. Some vendors will have breakfast type afternoon socials items available as well. Thursday, Jan. 22, Friday, Jan. 23 & Saturday, Jan. 24, 5:00pm-6:00pm; Free; Served in the Exhibit Center • Tables are available in the south hall of the Gym building and We cordially welcome you to Afternoon Socials on Thursday and Friday. outside in the covered Pavilion near the Art Show entrance. Visit our Exhibitors while you enjoy a glass of wine or other beverage and light foods prepared and served by a local food service business. • Water is available on each Field Trip bus and per bottle for car pools – field trip leaders will provide on trips, see registration desk Please Note: No food or drink allowed in the Auditorium, Classroom or Keynote presentations, and the Art Show. for carpools. Please Note: No food or drink allowed in the Auditorium, Classroom Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. or Keynote presentations, and the Art Show. The Festival is ADA accessible to classrooms, restrooms, food service, Exhibit Area, Art Show & Competition, and Silent Auction. Arrangements for participation in Field Trips, Boat & Kayak Trips are handled on an If You Are Driving individual basis. Take Interstate 95 to Titusville. • From the south, exit at SR406 (Exit 220). Go east to US 1. Go north on US 1 for 1.9 miles. EFSC is on the right, just north of the Parrish Medical Center. • From the north, exit at SR46 (Exit 223). Go east to US 1. Go south on US 1 for 2.4 miles. EFSC will be on the left. to get here If You Are Flying how • From Orlando International Airport: The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival will be Go east on SR528 (Beachline/Toll Road) to I-95 (follow the sign that based at Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) - Titusville Campus, directs you to I-95 North). Go north on I-95. Follow above driving 1311 N. US 1 from January 21 through 25, 2015. Registration directions coming from the south. • From Melbourne International Airport: desk, classroom presentations, field trip staging, exhibits, silent Follow signs directing you from the Airport to I-95. Go north on I-95. auction, art show and food service can be found there. Follow above driving directions coming from the south.

6 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org 14th annual art show & competition The Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival and the Titusville Art League are proud to present the 14th Annual Birding and Wildlife Art Show Sponsored by and Competition. This traditional event is made possible through the exceptional generosity of Geomar Environmental Services. All competition entries will be on display at Eastern Florida State College

(EFSC), Titusville Campus, Community Dining Room, from Jan. 21-25. Conserve & Preserve Florida’s Natural Resources All competitors will be judged on how well they express the natural Reviewing Art Exhibit. Photo by Joel Reyolds environments and ecosystems of Florida. First place in each category will receive $225, with all prize monies totaling over $1,600. Each entry into the art competition will cost $15. All entries should be works completed within the last 24 months and express the natural environments and ecosystems of Florida. A Poster Competition will be held for children. Top prize for the winning poster is a $50 gift silent certificate, with a special $100 award given to the school art department of the winning poster. No entry fee is charged for children's posters. Size of entry should be half of a standard poster board. auction Competition categories We cordially invite you to participate in Photography our annual Silent Auction via donation 2-Dimensional art (including painting, mixed media, graphic arts and watercolors) 3-Dimensional art (including sculpture, clay art, wood, glass and fiber art) of auction item(s), as well as bid on the items we have collected. Proceeds Prizes from the Auction benefits the Festival. Photography 2-Dimensional 3-Dimensional Children's Posters 1st ...... $225 1st ...... $225 1st ...... $225 1st ...... $50 Welcome Donors: Items should be 2nd...... $125 2nd ...... $125 2nd ...... $125 2nd...... $25 3rd ...... $75 3rd ...... $75 3rd ...... $75 3rd ...... $15 new or well cared for (as in cases of 2 Merits .....$25 2 Merits .....$25 2 Merits .....$25 3 Merits .....$10 rare nature books, artwork and the Entries must be submitted at the EFSC Community Dining Room between 2:00pm and 6:00pm, like). Please contact Dianne George in Wednesday, Jan. 21. For ease of delivery and pick-up, Please drive to the rear of the Community advance at 321-626-9146 to arrange Dining Room and enter through the back door. delivery of or a receipt for your donated Judging will be held at 2:00pm Thursday, Jan. 22. All artwork must be available for display items. through 10:00am on Sunday, Jan. 25. All artwork must be picked up between 12 noon and 3:00pm on Sunday, Jan. 25. Welcome Bidders: The Silent Auction For more information about the 2015 Space Coast Birding & Wildlife will run during the Festival from 9:00am Festival Art Show and Competition, contact Linda Krupp, Titusville Art League President, [email protected], and Candi Thorpe, on Thursday, Jan. 22 to announced Festival Art Show Coordinator, [email protected] or visit the closure on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 25. website at www.titusvilleartleague.com. Winners’ names will be posted at the Rules Silent Auction booth after 4:00pm on Saturday. 1. All artwork must be appropriate for viewing by all ages. 2. All work must be the original work of the submitted artist. No copyrighted work will be accepted unless the submitting artist holds the copyright. Winners may pick up their items 3. No copies, reproductions or kits will be accepted. Saturday 5:00pm-7:00pm, and Sunday 4. Each submission should be work that was completed within the last 24 months and may not have been 9:00am-1:00pm. Payment for bidding previously entered into a SCBWF Art Show & Competition. winners may be made by VISA, 5. The size for hanging pieces shall be no larger than 36 inches in width or height. MasterCard, Discover Card, American 6. Framed entries with glass shall not exceed 20 inches by 24 inches. Larger works that require protection must Express, check (with copy of driver’s use plexi-glass or similar material. Over-sized pieces of glass are too fragile and too heavy for display panels. license) or cash. No items will be 7. All hanging work must be framed with the following exceptions: mailed. a. Stretched canvas work that has been gallery-wrapped and has no unfinished edges and wall hangings b. Work painted on wood panels must have finished and/or painted edges. A copy of the official Registration and financial information 8. All hanging work must be ready to hang with securely fastened screw eyes and braided picture wire. In may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services the case of metal frames, the fasteners inserted in the frame with screws to which the wire is attached are by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the State. acceptable. Saw tooth hangers will NOT be accepted. Wall hangings must be able to hang from a standard Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or pegboard hook. ALL WORK THAT IS TO HANG MUST MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS. recommendation by the State. Registration # CH19903 - Florida Solicitation of Contribution Act. 9. All entries must remain on exhibit throughout the show.

7 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org

sponsors& partners We encourage you to patronize the sponsors, partners, and advertisers, and visit the parks and preserves that have generously donated to this event. Through Sponsored in part by the Brevard Co. Board of County their support, they have made a commitment to protect our natural resources. Commissioners through the Brevard Cultural Alliance, Inc. Eagle www.artsbrevard.org Space Coast Office of Tourism Bird Watcher’s Digest Dixie Crossroads Swarovski Optik Bird Watching Magazine Panther American Birding Association Scrub Jay FLORIDA TODAY Florida Power & Light Victor Emanuel Nature Tours Canaveral Port Authority Carl Zeiss Sport Optics Brevard Business News Leica Sports Optics, USA 10,000 Birds Eagle Optics Panasonic North America Pelican Coastal Anglers Magazine Wells Fargo City of Titusville Vanguard Sporting Optics Waste Management Geomar Environmental Consultants Merritt Island Wildlife Association Opticron Nikon, Inc Celestron, LLC Priceton University Press Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Farmton/Miami Corporation Rockjumper Worldwide Birding Adventures Red-Cockaded Woodpecker www.visitSpaceCoast.com Quality Inn - Titusville Canopy Tower Family Hunts Photo and Video Ron Jon Surf Shop Ace Hardware – Titusville Partners

All Cities Expo Services, Inc. NASA Brevard Co. Environmentally Endangered Lands Program North Brevard Heritage Foundation (Pine Island Archaeological Project, Dicerandra (Canaveral Nat’l Seashore) Scrub Sanctuary, Ulamay Sanctuary, South Lake Conservation Area, the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, Novatech Computers Barrier Island Sanctuary, Fox Lake Sanctuary) Ocean Potion Brevard Co. Parks & Recreation Palm Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce Brevard Co. Solid Waste Management - Recycling Space Coast Audubon Society Brevard Cultural Alliance Space Coast Paddlers Club Brevard Zoo St. Johns River Water Management District (Lee Tract- Clear Channel Outdoors Charles H. Bronson State Forest, Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, Lake Monroe Conservation Area, Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce Lake Jessup Conservation Area, Little-Big Econ State Eastern Florida State College Forest, Lake Apopka, Hal Scott Preserve ) Fla Department of Environmental Protection (T.M. Jim and Johnnie Swan Goodwin Marsh) The Nature Conservancy Fla Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (Tosohatchee TiSH Media Wildlife Management Area, Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area) Titusville Art League Fla Public Archeology Network Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce (Titusville Area Visitors Council) Fla State Parks (Sebastian Inlet State Park, St Sebastian River Buffer Preserve State Park) Titusville YMCA Fla Trails Association U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge, Archie Forever Fla/EcoSafaris Carr National Wildlife Refuge, Pelican Island National Marine Science Center Wildlife Refuge) Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce VISIT FLORIDA

8 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org exhibitcenter

2014 Exhibit Area. Photographer unknown The Exhibit Center, located in the Gymnatorium, is the site of important Festival traditions and activities in which we invite you to visit and participate. Here you Exhibit Center Hours: will find the annual Bird Count List, Silent Auction, and more than 75 excellent exhibitors: artists, crafters, wildlife & birding organizations, nature-specialty Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2:00pm – 5:00pm businesses, photography, optics from the most-recognized companies, nature tour Thursday, Jan. 22, 10:00am-7:00pm companies and outdoor equipment. The Raptor Project will be on stage providing scheduled educational shows. Friday, Jan. 23, 10:00am-7:00pm Classroom presentations and field trips are arranged so that there is time to view beautiful art and craftwork, find out more about the area and birds spotted, and Saturday, Jan. 24, 9:00am-7:00pm acquire a gift for someone, including yourself. Sunday, Jan. 25, 9:00am-1:00pm exhibitors A New Look-Redeck Bling Florida Ornithological Society Panasonic North America www.anewlook.us.com www.fosbirds.org www.panasonic.com American Birding Association (Sponsor) Focus Frog, LLC Princeton University Press (Sponsor) www.aba.org www.focusfrog.com www.pup.princeton.edu Bat Belfrys Inc. Happy Bee Honey Raven on the Mountain Video Productions www.happybeehoney.net www.ravenonthemountain.com Bird Watcher’s Digest (Sponsor) www.birdwatchersdigest.com Holbrook Travel Rockjumper Worldwide Birding Adventures www.holbrooktravel.com www.rockjumper.co.za Birding Ecotours www.birdingecotours.co.za Hunts Photo and Video (Sponsor) San Diego Audubon Society www.huntsphotoandvideo.com www.sandiegoaudubon.org Birding in Portugal www.birdinginportugal.com Images in Africa Safaris Sea Rocket Chapter Florida Native Plant www.imagesinafricasafaris.com Society BirdQuest & Wild Images www.nbbd.com/npr/SeaRocket www.birdquest-tours.com JK Artistic Designs Sensing Nature, LLC Birdwatching Magazine (Sponsor) Joanne Williams Photography, Inc. www.sensingnature.com www.BirdWatchingDaily.com www.joannewilliamsphoto.com Songbirds of Wood Briar Knots Wood Carving John Furches Gallery www.vanhouzen.com www.johnfurches.com Canaveral National Seashore South Texas Nature Marketing Coop www.nps.gov/cana Kayaks by Bo www.kayaksbybo.com Space Coast Audubon Canopy Tower Family (Sponsor) www.spacecoastaudubon.org www.canopytower.com KOWA America www.kowa-usa.com Swarovski Optik (Sponsor) Carefree Birding www.swarovskioptik.at www.carefreebirding.com Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge The Florida Historical Society Carl Zeiss Sports Optics (Sponsor) Leica Sport Optics (Sponsor) www.myforidahistory.org www.zeiss.com/sports www.en.leica-camera.com/sport_optics/ 10,000 Birds (Sponsor) Celestron (Sponsor) Little St. Simons Island www.10000birds.com www.celestron.com www.littlessi.com The Lodge at Pico Bonito Cheepers! Birding on a Budget Marcy Gray Design Studio www.picobonito.com www.cheepersbirding.com Merritt Island Wildlife Assn. (Sponsor) The Mobile Massage Guy Chuber Pottery www.merrittislandwildlifeassociation.com www.mobilemassageguy.com www.facebook.com/ChuberPottery Milton Heiberg Studios Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge Custom Gheenoe Boats www.miltonheiberg.com www.tranquilobay.com www.gheenoe.net Nikon, Inc (Sponsor) United States Air Force - CCAFS/PAFB DASH Images www.nikonsportsoptics.com www.dashimages.com Vanguard USA, Inc. (Sponsor) Novagrade USA www.vanguard.com DIGIDAPTER One Good Tern Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (Sponsor) Eagle Optics (Sponsor) www.onegoodtern.com www.ventbird.com www.eagleoptics.com Opticron USA (Sponsor) Visit Birding in Portugal Everglades Nature Tours www.opticron.co.us www.evergladesnaturetours.com Wildscape Images Optics for the Tropics www.wildscapeimages.biz Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida www.opticsforthetropics.org www.floridaecosafaris.com Wildside Nature Tours www.wildsidenaturetours.com

9 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org keynotespeakers "The Best of Birding From A to Z"

Julie Zickefoose…………Jan. 21 Main Event of the 2015 Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival Opening Welcome Reception

Elsa Alvear…………Jan. 22

Jeff Bouton…………Jan. 23

Bill Thompson III…………Jan. 24

10 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org keynote speakers

Elsa Alvear Birds and Birding in the National Parks Jan. 22, 6:30pm-8:00pm AUD; Limited to 150 registrants; $25

When most people think of managing the natural and cultural resource programs national parks, they think near Miami, Florida. She deals with endangered of scenery. But birders species, coral reef and seagrass restoration from vessel understand that habitat is groundings, water quality, fisheries management, and the key to being able to is the park lead on a proposed new management see birds. The mission of plan with far-reaching marine conservation issues. the National Park Service, She’s a birder in a national park best known for its to preserve natural marine resources, but upon arrival was struck by the resources unimpaired diversity and numbers of avifauna and considers the for this and future park a secret birding treasure spot. She initiated the generations to enjoy, is agency’s first certificate-earning birding program, vital to allow a diversity the Biscayne Birding Trail, and coordinated several of bird species to survive volunteers to make the Trail a reality. The Biscayne into the future. Elsa will Birding Trail is inspiring other national parks to do the discuss how the National same, to recognize and encourage birders to bird in Park Service is helping to their national parks. She did her master’s thesis on connect people to birds. timing of nesting of Roseate Spoonbills compared to Join Elsa as she explores water management regimes in Everglades National the great variety of bird Park. On her free time, she volunteers for a wildlife habitats within National rehab organization, a bird banding station, and birds Parks; the importance of in national parks in the United States and around the visitors to the National world. Her “wow” birding moment was a solo birding/ Park Service; the impact backpacking expedition through Chilean Patagonia of the park service has where she was treated to a flock of Andean condors. on local economies; the Elsa would like new and experienced birders to ease of travel with the feel welcome in their national parks and become parks; the study of birds in passionate advocates of birding in national parks. “living laboratories”, their natural habitats; and the volunteer opportunities available. What better place to spend the day counting birds than in one of the over 400 parks, seashores, recreation areas, and historic parks managed by the National Park Service! Elsa Alvear is the Chief of Resource Management of ,

11 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org keynote speakers

Jeff Bouton Birding Past, Present, and Future Jan. 23, 6:30pm-8:00pm AUD; Limited to 150 registrants; $25 Join Jeff Bouton Jeff interfaces personally with thousands of birders for an amusing & annually at the World’s largest birding events and is introspective look at extremely fortunate to work with some of the nation’s the world of birding. most successful young birder programs. Drop in for a Beginning with laugh and hopefully pick up a new birding tip or two the historic, solid as well. foundations on which Jeff Bouton began his birding career as a volunteer we all still rely like the bird bander as a teenager in Rochester, NY and earliest field guides, to spent the following decade plus wandering around the rapidly emerging the country as "binoculars for hire” working for nearly electronic trends that any agency or non-for- profit organization that would have changed the pay him to do what he loved more than anything in birding world forever. the world, being in the field birding. He spent much These revolutionary of this time chasing, capturing, banding, and following trends shape the way radio- tagged raptors, searching for passerine nests, the next generation and guiding professionally all over the United States, of birders approaches including Alaska. He finally settled down in the Gulf our beloved hobby Coast of Florida with his family 16 years ago and and it’s infinitely has worked for Leica Sport Optics 10 years now different than just a as Manager of the Birding / Nature Markets in the decade past. It has Americas. He is a contributing author to the American also changed the way Birding Association’s Bird-finding Guides to Alaska many new birders are & Florida respectively, plus Houghton Miflin’s “Good drawn to birding in the Birders Don’t Wear White” and has written countless articles and had first place. Using humorous anecdotes and graphic examples, Bouton will hundreds of images published in most of the national birding publications. review these current and emerging trends to offer insight on how these His favorite was a column that ran in every issue of “WildBird” magazine changes have already changed many aspects of birding (social dynamic, for 6 years entitled, “Adventures with Austin”; anecdotes of a father and bird clubs, field guide, usage, etc.) and highlight new and creative son from the field with tips on how to inspire young birders. approaches many are using with success to reach the next generation of new & young birders today. He will even ponder what the near future of birding might well look like. Through his position with Leica Sport Optics,

12 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org keynote speakers

Bill Thompson IIIMore Perils & Pitfalls of Birding Jan. 24, 6:30pm-8:00pm AUD; Limited to 150 registrants; $25

Bill Thompson III has been birding for four decades and in that time he has had some—ummm—unusual experiences, met some unusual people, and learned a great many lessons (the hard way) about birding and human nature. In this completely new take on his wildly popular "Perils & Pitfalls" talk Bill tells tales of birds, birders, and the amazing things that happen when you're out there watching. As has been his standing policy, if you don't laugh at least once during this talk, Bill will clean the binoculars of everyone present.

Bill Thompson III (or BT3 as he is better known) is a lifelong birder, the co-pubisher of Bird Watcher's Digest (BWD), and the author of many books on birds and nature. He's been on the editorial team of BWD since May of 1988, and during that time has watched birds in 49 U.S. states (still missing Hawaii) and more than 30 countries. Bill writes the Bill of the Birds blog and creates and hosts a podcast called "This Birding Life" which gets more than 750,000 episode downloads annually. He is the president and a founding board member of The Ohio Ornithological Society, and also serves on he board of directors for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. He is devoted to introducing kids to nature and birding and considers his Young Birder's Guide to Birds of North America to be his proudest professional achievement. Bill lives on a farm in southeastern Ohio with his wife, Julie Zickefoose, and their two children, Phoebe and Liam. In his spare time, Bill writes music and performs with his country-rock band The Rain Crows. His favorite North American bird is the red-headed woodpecker.

13 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org keynote speakers

Julie ZickefooseThe Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds Jan. 21, 7:30pm-8:30pm TITUSVILLE PLAYHOUSE; Limited to 250 registrants; $30 Join writer/artist Julie Zickefoose for an evening exploring the intersection of birds and spirituality in our lives. Can a bird become a demigod to some? Can certain species achieve the level of a totem or spirit guide? Julie’s Keynote Presentation is the Are there phenomena that occur at the intersection of man and nature main event of the 2015 Space Coast that cannot be explained by conventional means? These are concepts that have surfaced over a lifetime of helping broken birds and mothering those Birding and Wildlife Festival Opening who are orphaned, and in so doing coming to know birds from the inside Welcome Reception. (See information regarding the reception on page 6).

out. A scientist at heart, Julie has lately found herself wondering more than knowing. This talk will help you keep your spirit “open to the thrust of grace,” thinking about the unexplainables in your own life. Julie Zickefoose makes her living interpreting what she finds wonderful, beautiful, fascinating, and disturbing about nature, especially the boundary where it intersects with people. Her job is to look closely, figure out what might be going on and how she feels about it all, then share what she finds. She has parlayed this job description into two well- received books: Letters from Eden: A Year at Home, In the Woods, and The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds. She’s now at work on a third magnum opus: a book about the day-to-day development of nestling songbirds, as interpreted in words and watercolors, made directly from life.

14 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org Northfield Brevard Hotspots Field Trip. Photo by Ray Scory trips

Festival field trips are designed to showcase the best regional wildlife sites as well as the exceptional research and preservation work being conducted in this area.

1) Please note that in order to keep the Festival as cost efficient as possible for our guests, some of the field trips will be established as car pools instead of utilizing hired transportation services.

2) Unless otherwise noted, all trips depart from the traffic circle to wear in front of the Gymnatorium at whatJanuary is typically Florida’s coldest month, but temperatures can fluctuate wildly. Expect average temps to be in the 40s and 50s at night and the 60s and 70s in the Eastern Florida State College, daytime. Temperatures can dip into the 30s at night and never leave the 50s during Titusville Campus. the daytime after a strong cold front. Rain is very scarce in January, however, a cold front may be accompanied by a squall line. Plan to layer your clothing. It can be very cold at sunrise and then warm up nicely during the day. It could be chilly out on the 3) Due to the importance of water on kayak and boat trips, so dress warmly. Be sure to bring rain gear if you are scheduled arrivals at field trip going on the pelagic trip! More than likely the wind will blow and spray will fly. The sites, as well as schedules for the Gymnatorium can be chilly too. Bring a sweater or a jacket if you are an exhibitor. balance of the day, all vehicles will field trip tips leave promptly when indicated. • A long sleeved shirt or light jacket may make your classroom experience more Please arrive 15 minutes early and enjoyable – all rooms are air-conditioned. board the bus at departure time. • The field trip staging area is in front of the Gymnatorium. Bus trips will depart from that area. Carpool groups will meet there. You will be directed to your bus location by the Transportation Monitors, who will be available for each departure. Departure 4) Water is available. times are firm - arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. • Please bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and rain gear (just in PLEASE NOTE: Field Trips by bus are case). It is recommended for field trips that you wear comfortable shoes/sneakers, designed so that each participant may take comfortable shirts, and long pants (protection against insects and thorns). Some field full advantage of the trip experience as well as trips may require boots. meeting time expectations = meeting the trip • Don’t forget your camera, binoculars, or other equipment that will make your at the site is NOT allowed. festival experience more memorable.

15 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips

A Butterfly Excursion Jan 24, 2pm-3:30pm; limited to 24 registrants; $25 Meet in EFSC bus circle at 1:45 to form a carpool that utilizes as few cars as possible. John Serrao (Naturalist, Writer & Photographer) Join John Serrao as he identifies in the field many of the butterflies shown in his power point presentation, “The Butterflies of Central Florida”. Get close-up views of swallowtails, longwings, sulphurs, and many other species that make central Florida such a great place to observe and photograph these beautiful insects. Observe a butterfly’s amazing proboscis and traits that distinguish two of our largest groups – the brush-footed butterflies and the skippers. We’ll drive along Bio Lab Road, stopping at several places along the way where wildflowers attract a high diversity of butterflies. (John Serrao received his M.S. degree with an emphasis on entomology from Cornell University and has been a professional Naturalist, writer, photographer, and tour leader for 40 years. He has written 7 books about natural history, and his photos have appeared in hundreds of magazines, textbooks, field guides, and museums. He lives in DeLand, Painted Bunting, Male. Photo by Roy Halpin Florida) Explore the engineered wetlands of Blue Heron, an outstanding birding A Drive at Blue Heron Wetlands site and magnet for wildlife. This is a 3-mile walk on the gravel road that surrounds the wetlands. The pace will be leisurely in order to fully Jan. 23, 7:00am-10:00am; Limited to 12 registrants; $25 appreciate the birds you will see. American Bittern, Purple Gallinule, Meet at 7:00am at the south parking area of Cracker Barrel Restaurant Limpkin, Sandhill Crane, Roseate Spoonbill, Black-crowned and Yellow- near I-95 exit 215. Be prepared to carpool. Bring binoculars, water, cell phone, camera, light rain gear and scope if desired. crowned Night-Heron, Black-necked Stilt, Gadwall, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Bobolink, Northern Harrier, Marsh Wren, Red Shouldered Hawk, Matt & Lora Heyden (Space Coast Audubon Society) and Ric Zarwell (Rockjumper Birding Tours) and Gull-billed Tern are just a few of well over 100 bird species sighted Explore the engineered wetlands of Blue Heron, an outstanding birding site at Blue Heron. Birders may also see alligators. and magnet for wildlife. This is a 3-mile driving adventure on the gravel road Afternoon Hayride that surrounds the wetlands. Be prepared to pull completely off the road and Jan. 24, 2:00pm-5:30pm; Limited to 20 registrants; $20 exit your vehicle at intervals in order to gain better viewing and to use your scope American Bittern, Purple Gallinule, Limpkin, Sandhill Crane, Roseate Meet at Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Park on the grass along the road - make sure your car is off Spoonbill, Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Black-necked the road. Bring water and snacks. Dress warmly! Stilt, Gadwall, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Bobolink, Northern Harrier, David Hartgrove (Florida Nature Tours), Daryl Foreman (MINWR) and Marsh Wren, Red Shouldered Hawk, and Gull-billed Tern are just a few of Stan Howater (MINWR) over 100 species sighted at Blue Heron. Birders may also see alligators. Take a slow ride through a Florida paradise around Black Point Wildlife A Walk at Blue Heron Wetlands Drive. There’s no better way to view so many birds! Jan. 21 & 25, 7:00am-10:00am; Limited to 12 registrants; $25 Animal Clues for Children Meet at 7:00am at the south parking area of Cracker Barrel Restaurant Jan. 24, 11:00am-12:30pm; Limited to 20 registrants; Free near I-95 exit 215. Bring binoculars, water, cell phone, camera, light Meet at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary: Drive south on US 1 about rain gear and scope, if desired. 8 miles to the south end of town and turn right on SR405/Columbia Matt & Lora Heyden (Space Coast Audubon Society); Jan. 21 with Mi- Blvd. Drive about ½ mile and turn into the entrance of the EFS on right chael O’Brien and Louise Zemaitis (VENT); Jan. 25 with Selena Kiser Sarah Kraum (EEL Program) Explore, tracks, scat, burrows, and more! You may not always see an animal, but you can find clues that they were once there! Learn how to find and ID these animal signs. Also make a plaster animal track to take home. This program includes a short presentation and hike. Please wear closed toed shoes, bring water, and sunscreen. For ages 7-12, adults must accompany child. Beach Birds Intro & Field Trip Jan. 24, 8:30am-5:00pm (Intro 119, 8:30am-9:45am, Field Trip 10:00am-5:00pm); Limited to 32 registrants; $45 After classroom intro at EFSC drive to Smyrna Dunes Park for field trip. Directions to Smyrna Dunes Park: From EFSC turn right onto US 1 and travel north for about 32 miles. In the town of New Smyrna Beach, take a right on Washington Street - its name will change to North Cause- way after about 1/2 mile. Continue east on Washington Street/North Causeway for about 2 miles. Just after you cross the big bridge, take your first left onto N. Peninsula Ave and follow it for a couple of miles until it dead ends at Smyrna Dunes Park. Please eat lunch or pick something up to eat at the park. No food will be provided. Bring water. Photography Field Trip. Photo by Roy Thoman

16 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips

Adam Kent (Florida Ornithological Society) with Michael Brothers Jan. 24, 11:30pm-4:00pm; Limited to 40 registrants; Free (Marine Science Center), Gina Kent (Avian Research & Conservation Meet at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Intro is Network), Amar Ayyash (North American Gulls) and Sarah Linney followed by a field trip by carpool to Black Point Wildlife Drive. (Space Coast Audubon Society) Nancy Corona (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service), Sandy Walters (MIWA), NOTE: Bring cash for the entrance fee ($5.00 per car, up to 8 people). Carey Salter and Betty Salter What’s the difference between a tern and a gull, or a sandpiper and a Birding is far more than a hobby. It is an open door to the world of plover? Where does the Willet fit in? Explore their variations and sort nature, a touch point that connects people to the outdoors. Birding through some of the subtleties of their shapes and behaviors in this look inevitably leads to a discovery of turtles, butterflies, wildflowers and at these fascinating beach birds. You see them all the time - running all the interconnections of nature. In an informative talk, Nancy will from the surf, perched on pilings and soaring over the water. If you think cover field guides and other literature. She will provide helpful hints for they are nondescript grayish variations on the same theme, you are only beginners on where to find birds and how to identify them, pointing out partially correct. Have fun learning identification and natural history interesting behaviors, typical silhouettes and identification tricks of the of the common but often difficult-to-identify birds found on Florida’s birding trade. Cary will give an overview of optical equipment and how beaches in the winter. The session begins near low tide. Participants to properly use it. A free field trip to Black Point Wildlife Drive will follow will take a pontoon boat shuttle to the Disappearing Island sandbar the classroom session so you can get right out in the field and put your for a close look at the numerous shorebirds, pelicans, cormorants, new knowledge to work. and up to 15 species of gulls, terns, and skimmers that gather there. Falling tide is the best time to visit Disappearing Island. After spending Beginning Bird Walk at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary some time at the island, participants will return to the park when birds Jan. 24, 8:00am-10:00am; Limited to 20 registrants; Free are concentrated along the shore near high tide, allowing for close Meet at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary: Drive south on US 1 about observation and identification practice. The leaders will work closely 8 miles to the south end of town and turn right on SR405/Columbia with participants to demonstrate the process of determining age and Blvd. Drive about ½ mile and turn into the entrance of the EFS on right. separation of difficult gull plumages. This spectacular beachside park Joe Swingle (EELs Program) with Steve Swingle. offers panoramic views of the ocean, inlet and estuary as well as the Birdwatching is one of North America’s fastest growing recreational opportunity to get close looks at gulls, terns and jaegers. There is sports - but did you know that a majority of people who enjoy always a possibility of finding rarities such as a Glaucous or Iceland birdwatching are beginners? This program is for anyone age eight to Gull. Twenty species of shorebirds are probable here, including American adult who considers him or herself a ‘hatchling’ birdwatcher. We will Oystercatchers, Piping and Wilson’s Plovers, Purple Sandpipers and Red begin with a brief indoor presentation, introducing a few easy birding Knots. techniques. Next, we’ll leave the ‘nest’ and head outside for some binocular skills practice (bring yours or use ours). Then take your new Beginning Birding Intro & Field Trip skills for a test flight as we hike for 45 minutes on the trails in search Jan. 22, 8:00am-12:00pm; Limited to 40 registrants; Free

17 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips

of a few birds in the EFS. Birding by Impression with Kevin Karlson and Mariel & Angel Abreu How do you Jan. 25, 8:00am-12:00pm; Limited to 15 registrants; $40 Kevin Karlson (Kevin T. Karlson Photography) and Mariel & Angel Abreu Meet to form a carpool at the Gym north exit just past the restrooms. For this walk, wear comfortable closed toed shoes and bring water. Rendezvous? Join Kevin and special guest leaders Angel and Mariel Abreu for a Birding weekends created just for fans of relaxed birding experience to one of the week’s most productive Bird Watcher’s Digest. Come birding with birding locations within a half hour drive of the College. Kevin will us and our special Rendezvous guests! We’ll choose the location and we will car pool to our birding destination, have fun while building our birding skills, where the leaders will share a different approach to birding as highlighted in Kevin’s upcoming book in the Roger Tory Peterson seeing new birds, and making new friends. Reference Series called Birding by Impression: A Different Approach to Knowing and Identifying Birds. This trip will only accept up to 15 participants so that you can get to know the leaders and share a different approach to bird ID that concentrates initially on unchangeable physical features and typical movements of each bird species. Birds of a Feather Hike Jan. 24, 8:00am-11:00am; Limited to 15 participants; $10 Christin Pruett, PhD (Ornithologist, Florida Institute of Technology) Meet at the Maritime Hammock Trailhead at 6200 South A1A in Mel- bourne Beach. This is at the Maritime Hammock Sanctuary which is in the Archie Carr National Wildlife Reguge. Directions: Take US 1 south to Garden Street and turn right and go about 2.8 miles. Take I-95 south for about 39 miles to the SR192 exit in Melbourne. Go left (east) over the Melbourne Causeway to US A1A. Turn right (south) and drive for about 10 miles to the Trailhead sign on your right. This trip will begin with a 2.5 mile hike in the Maritime Hammock Sanctuary, followed by a tour of the nearby Barrier Island Center. Explore the barrier island’s disappearing treasure on this visit to the magical maritime forest. Look for birds of prey in sprawling live oaks and listen for song-birds calling from the canopy. Wear closed toe shoes, bring sunscreen, water, a snack and insect repellant.

Be Sure to SIGN UP today for our upcoming Reader Rendezvous events brought to you by your friends at: Black Rails. Photo by Mike Legare Black Rails at the St. Johns NWR Jan. 22, 23 & 25, 4:00pm-7:00pm; Limited to 24 registrants; $35 Jan. 22 with Mike Legare (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) and Dave Goodwin (Florida Ornithology Society); Jan. 23 with Mike Legare (U.S. birdwatchersdigest.com/RR Fish & Wildlife Service) and Corey Finger (10,000 Birds); Jan. 25 with Mike Legare (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) and Mitchell Harris (Florida 800-879-2473 Ornithology Society)

18 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org

Space Coast_15 ReaderRend Ad.indd 1 9/25/14 10:28 AM field trips

Meet in EFSC bus circle at 3:45pm to create a carpool that utilizes as Dicerandra Scrub Sanctuary Walk few cars as possible. Jan. 22, 9:00am-12:00pm; Limited to 24 registrants; Free Dress warmly - it will be chilly on the marsh. Bring Water and wear Meet at Dicerandra Scrub Sanctuary entrance: From Exit 215 on I-95 old closed-toed shoes – your feet will get wet. take SR50 east 3 miles. Turn right on Key Largo Dr. Go 0.4 miles and Join Mike Legare, US Fish & Wildlife Service Lead Biologist at MINWR, turn right on Karen Dr. Go less than 0.1 mile, turn right and go to the on a sunset hayride through the pristine salt marsh habitat of the end of Melissa Dr. Enter on foot. restricted St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge. At various stops through From US 1 go west 0.7 miles on SR50. Turn left on Key Largo Dr. Wear the marsh, Mike will talk about Black Rails, their secretive habits, comfortable closed-toed shoes. Bring water. salt marsh habitat and the research he conducted on these elusive Jay Barnhart and Jim Stahl (Florida Native Plant Society and Friends marsh birds at this site. The marshes of the St. Johns River west and of the Enchanted Forest) northwest of Titusville are the only marshes along the St. Johns where Join avid mushroom hobbyist Jay and retired biologist Jim for a Black Rails are found within the river’s floodplains. That’s because walk through the beautiful scrub of real Florida. This Brevard County saline water seeps to the surface from a layer of salty water that lies Environmentally Endangered Lands (EELs) property consists mostly of above the Florida aquifer in this area, creating marine type habitats in scrubby flatwoods and a large depression marsh. It is adjacent to the the midst of a huge freshwater floodplain. These biological islands are Titusville Wellfield, which also supports scrub, extending the protection home to the same vegetation that you will find in the salt marshes of area and enhancing the Sanctuary. Protected plant and wildlife species the Merritt Island NWR. As the sun sets on the marsh horizon, Mike will documented on site include Florida Scrub-Jay, Eastern Indigo Snake, stop at different places and play tapes to try to entice Black Rails to call. Gopher Tortoise and Dicerandra Thinicola, a rare scrub mint known only The elusive Black Rail has become a much sought life bird. to occur in the northern region of Brevard County. Building Birding Skills eBird Field Trip - Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera Jan. 23, 6:30am-12:30pm; Limited to 20 registrants; $40 Jan. 23, 6:30am-11:30am; Limited to 26 registrants; $55 Meet at the EFSC bus circle to arrange carpool. Meet at EFSC bus circle to board bus. Michael O’Brien (VENT) and Louise Zemaitis (VENT) Jason Guerard (Tampa Audubon Society) Becoming an accomplished birder involves an array of skills from Note: Wear closed-toe comfortable walking shoes. You may want to recognizing birds by sight and sound to learning patterns in bird register for the companion classroom presentation, also on Jan. 23rd. distribution related to geography, season, and habitat. This walk will eBird has grown in popularity in recent years due to its ever continuing delve into all of these, and will focus simply on patient field observation ease of use for birders of all skill levels. The advantageous part of the and building birding skills. eBird database is that it allows the user to engage at whatever extent desired. No other database at the birder’s disposal allows us to use Central Florida Specialties the hobby we enjoy so much to help make such a significant impact to Jan. 23 & 25, 5:00am-4:00pm; Limited to 26 registrants; $80 science and conservation by simply watching and counting birds. But, Meet at EFSC bus circle to board bus. Price includes lunch at Forever there are considerations to be made before heading in to the field to Florida Wilderness Preserve. count birds for entry into eBird. We will explore Ritch Grissom Memorial Jan. 23 with David Simpson (Birding with David Simpson), Dave Wetlands at Viera in effort to build a list of observations that will be Goodwin (Florida Nature Tours) and Elsa Alvear (Biscayne National used in the classroom portion, where the data entry and submission Park); Jan. 25 with Bill Thompson III (Editor, Birdwatchers Digest) and Dave Goodwin (Florida Nature Tours) process will be discussed. During the trip we will discuss the three This tour will start at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area in the early major observation/protocol types, when to choose which and effort morning hours to try to catch a glimpse of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. levels that eBird asks the user to record, how to approach counting Other pineland species expected at Three Lakes include Bachman’s birds in the field and why it is important to actually count and “record Sparrow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Pine Warbler and all species”. We will discuss list-keeping phone applications that aid Eastern Bluebird. White-tailed Kite is a possibility. Next stop is Overstreet Landing on Lake Kissimmee to look for Whooping Cranes that have been reintroduced to the Kissimmee River prairie. The extensive wetland and prairie complexes of Central Florida host a variety of wading and waterbirds including almost all of Florida’s herons and egrets; Least and American Bittern, Glossy and White Ibis, Wood Stork; Limpkin, King Rail, Anhinga, grebes, shorebirds and various ducks, as well as, a unique suite of birds that includes the Sandhill Crane, Crested Caracara, Burrowing Owl, Mottled Duck and Grasshopper Sparrow. Overstreet Landing is a good place to look for Snail Kite, Bald Eagle and various raptors, Mottled Duck and other waterfowl; Longbilled Dowitcher, Purple Gallinule and Limpkin. Crested Caracara, Eastern Bluebird, American Kestrel, Sandhill Crane and Wild Turkey may be seen along the road. After lunch, a trip to Lake Lizzie Park will hopefully produce Red-headed Woodpecker and Florida Scrub-Jay. If time allows, other sites to be visited include Whaley’s Landing, Cypress Lake and Lake Kissimmee. Photo by DeeAnn Keisel

19 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips in keeping your list as accurate as possible. Most importantly, as eBird states it, learn how to make your “checklist more meaningful”. Floodplains & Hammocks at Lake Monroe Conservation Area Jan. 21, 6:00am-12:00pm; Limited to 26 registrants; $25 Meet in EFSC bus circle at 6:00am to make carpool arrangements. This is a 4-mile walk, some of which may pass through mud and standing water. Dress accordingly and bring water. Water-friendly footwear would be a good idea. Maria Zondervan (St. Johns River Water Management District), Sarah Lin- ney (Space Coast Audubon), Lorne Malo (Department of Environmental Protection ) and Ric Zarwell (Rockjumper Birding Tours) This conservation area contains 90% of the floodplain of Lake Monroe and covers more than three miles of St. Johns River and Lake Monroe shoreline. Wetlands make up 94% of the conservation area. The fields, marshes, hammocks, flatwoods and scrub at this site are good for marsh birds, warblers and sparrows. Numerous wading birds and raptors are expected along with deer and alligators. Wild Turkey, Florida Florida Scrub Jay. Photo by DeeAnn Keisel Scrub-Jay, Bachman’s, Vesper and Grasshopper Sparrows, American Florida Scrub-Jays at Cruickshank Sanctuary Bittern, Wood Stork, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Jan. 22 & 25, 8:30am-10:30am; Limited to 20 registrants; $30 Hawk, Crested Caracara, Virginia Rail, Limpkin and Sandhill Crane Meet at the Helen & Alan Cruickshank Sanctuary. From US 1 in Rock- have all been recorded here. Please be advised that this hike is rather ledge, go west on Barnes Blvd. and travel for 0.4 miles. Look for sign and vigorous, due to uneven terrain, often high temperatures, and the pace entrance gate on right. From I-95 take Fiske Blvd. Exit-195. At off ramp required between birding stops to cover 4 miles in 4 hours. light, head east on Barnes Blvd. and travel 2.2 miles to entrance on left. Vince Lamb (Preserve Brevard); Jan. 22 with Carlos Betancourt(Canopy Florida Scrub-Jay & Scrub Fire Ecology Towers); Jan. 25 with Julie Zickefoose (Author) Jan. 23 & 24, 8:00am-12:30pm; Limited to 40 registrants; Free The Helen & Alan Cruickshank Sanctuary in Rockledge is considered Meet at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Center. Intro followed one of the best local places to observe Florida Scrub-Jays, a threatened by field trip. Bring water. species that is Florida’s only endemic bird. When the land meets their David Breininger, PhD and Paul Schmalzer, PhD (IHA) needs, Florida Scrub-Jays will spend their entire lives on the same Pre-registration is a must! Because of security requirements at Ken- lands. The Cruickshank Sanctuary is located on the Atlantic Coastal nedy Space Center, we are restricted to offering this trip to US citizens Ridge, an ancient beach that extends along the Florida mainland from only. All person’s registering to attend this event must provide a valid Jacksonville to Miami. Since the Environmentally Endangered Lands driver’s license at the time of registration. (EELs) Program started performing land management at this 140 The Florida Scrub-Jay, fascinating from both biological and conservation acre sanctuary, the Florida Scrub-Jay population has increased from perspectives, is the only avian species restricted entirely to Florida. just a few visitors to approximately 30 birds today. Gopher Tortoises, Endemic to the scrub habitats of peninsular Florida, Florida Scrub- Jays Red-bellied Woodpeckers, scrub lizards and other species that favor exhibit a suite of remarkable adaptations. Florida’s desert-like prehistoric scrub habitat are likely to be observed. Please come prepared to hike sand ridges are home to wondrous animals such as Gopher Tortoises, approximately two miles mostly on sandy trails at a slow pace. Eastern Indigo Snakes, scrub lizards, Crested Caracara, Burrowing Owl, and the Florida Scrub-Jay. Seminar followed by free NASA bus trip Forest Biodiversity Hike into restricted areas of Kennedy Space Center to see Florida Scrub- Jan. 24, 9:00am-11:00am; Limited to 15 registrants; Free Jay families. We will focus on the Florida Scrub-Jay, its habitat use, Meet at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary: Drive south on US 1 about demography and sociobiology in different types of habitat with an 8 miles to the south end of town and turn right on SR405/Columbia emphasis on fire ecology. Dave Breininger is a wildlife ecologist and Paul Blvd. Drive about 1/2 mile and turn into the entrance of the EFS on the Schmalzer is a plant ecologist for IHA at the Kennedy Space Center. right. Bring water, binoculars and camera. Elaine Williams, Bill Thompson III (Editor, Birdwatchers Digest) and Sharon Bohlmann (Friends of the Enchanted Forest) A unique insight into Florida’s geological structure will be viewed as we stand atop the Ancient Atlantic Coastal Ridge. Historic use of the land by humans will be discussed, including current conservation practices. Interactive educational activities will draw families and friends together while enjoying the beauty of the Enchanted Forest. Employ all your senses as we discover activities of animal life through observation and investigation of tracks and scat, sounds and scents. Encounter biodiversity and beauty while hiking along trails through three distinct habitats within the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary. Attributes of the forest flora and fauna will be discussed in relation to the land, building an appreciation of adaptation and nature’s design. This will be an easy hike and family friendly. Fox Lake Guided Hike Jan. 23, 9:00am-11:00am; Limited to 15 registrants; $10 Meet at the entrance to Fox Lake Park, 4400 Fox Lake Road, Titusville SB Dowitxher. Photo by Roy Halpin

20 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips

Xavier de Seguin des Hons (EELs North Region Land Manager) and Selena Kiser (Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail). Directions: Go south on US 1 about 2.4 miles into downtown Titus- vulle. Turn right onto South Street and drive for about 3 1/4 miles. Turn right on Fox Lake Road and follow to the end at Fox Lake Park. A 2-mile hike of the Fox Lake Sanctuary, the trail will provide views of both Fox and South Lakes and a chance to see some wading birds. The hike will also be focusing on the recent effort by the EEL Program to restore scrub habitat on the Sanctuary. Also, learn about the site’s latest archeological discoveries from Archeologist, Tom Penders. Wear closed toe shoes and bring bug spray, sunscreen and water. Gull Fly-In at Daytona Beach Shores Jan. 22 & 23, 3:30pm-6:00pm; Limited to 40 registrants; $40 Meet at Frank Rendon Park: North on I-95 to Exit 256. Merge on SR421 toward Port Orange and follow Atlantic Ave. to A1A. Turn left on A1A for approx. 3 miles to Frank Rendon Park on your right, im- mediately south of the Daytona Shores Resort on A1A. Free parking Gull Fly in at Daytona Beach Shores. is available. Meet in the parking lot near the beach to begin the field ocean just beyond the breakers. Jaegers regularly patrol these huge trip. Drive time approx. 50 minutes. groups, harassing the gulls. Virtually every night Pomarine and Parasitic Michael Brothers (Marine Science Center), Amar Ayyash (Author) and Jaegers can be seen from the beach. Steve Ritt (Naturalist) This beach at Daytona Beach Shores hosts what may be the largest Historic Pritchard House & Family History Gardens Tour congregation of gulls on any beach in the United States. In addition to Jan. 22 & 23, 2:30pm-4:30pm; Limited to 25 registrants; $20 the amazing array and density of gulls is the fact that the birds allow Meet at the Pritchard House. Drive south on US 1 2.4 miles. Turn left such close approach. No need to peer through a scope at a distant into parking lot, just past Julia St., across from Emma Parrish Theater. speck. Here the birds allow you walk right up to them. This presents an Roz Foster and the North Brevard Heritage Foundation extraordinary opportunity to observe and photograph the minute details In 1876 Captain James Pritchard and his family settled on the Delespine on each species, and a chance to compare the various plumages and Grant located south of Titusville, where they grew sugar cane and age classes. This extraordinary concentration builds to possibly as citrus. They moved to Titusville after their crops were destroyed by the many as 30,000 gulls each evening. This beach has consistently turned 1885-86 freeze. Capt. Pritchard was one of the first real estate agents up gull species that are rare in Florida, including the only record of Vega in Titusville, organized Titusville’s first bank in 1888 - the Indian River Gull in Florida. Laughing, Franklin, Ring-billed, Herring, Bonaparte’s; State Bank, and built Titusville’s first electric generating plant in 1890. Lesser Black-backed, Great Black-backed, Glaucous, Iceland, Thayer’s, In June of 1891 construction began on the Queen Anne style house and California Gulls have all been recorded. In addition, possible located at 424 S. Washington Ave. and the Pritchard family moved in European Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gulls and even a possible Slaty- the following October. The house was placed on the National Register backed Gull have appeared in the last two years. In addition to the in 1990. Family members continuously occupied the house until it was gulls, this beach is the best location in Florida to regularly see jaegers purchased by Brevard County for historic preservation in 2005. Docents from shore. Each evening the gulls leave the beach and settle on the in period dress will conduct tours of the house museum that includes vintage furnishings and collections and the Family History Gardens. Historic Sites of Canaveral National Seashore Jan. 23, 8:30am-5:00pm; Limited to 26 registrants; $55 Meet at EFSC bus circle to board bus. Bring money for lunch at J.B.’s Fish Camp on Mosquito Lagoon. Rachel Wentz (Florida Public Archaeology Network and Archaic Ad- ventures) and David Hartgrove (Florida Nature Tours ) When European explorers touched the shores of the New World in the late 15th century, the northern areas of the Space Coast had been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples who were called the Timucua. They left behind a wealth of archaeological sites and resources, many of which have yet to be discovered. Among these resources are some of the largest and most extensive prehistoric shell mounds in the nation. Many were so high they were used as major navigational landmarks during early colonial times. More than 100 pre-Columbian mounds lie within the boundaries of Canaveral National Seashore. This field trip visits three of them and the El Dora Statehouse. One of the oldest archaeological sites in Florida, Seminole Rest is a 4,000-year-old Timucuan shell midden located on the Oak Hill waterfront. Named for its resemblance to a giant turtle and used as a navigational aid for centuries, Turtle Mound shows up on Spanish maps as early as the 16th century. A climb to the top reveals a scenic panorama of ocean, estuary and beaches. Castle Windy is a smaller Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Photographer Roy Thoman mound that lies in the shadows of thick coastal maritime hammock

21 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips

MINWR’s Winter Sparrow Walk Jan. 22, 6:30am-11:30am; Limited to 12 registrants; $30 Meet at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Adam Kent (Florida Ornithological Society) and Mitchell Harris (Flori- da Ornithological Society) Please wear comfortable closed-toed shoes and be prepared for oc- casional wet walking areas. Bring water. Learn to be a sparrow sleuth. Join us in search of the sparrows that winter on MINWR. Sparrow expert Adam and local birder Mitchell will lead this walk pointing out what clues to look for when trying to identify this perplexing group of birds. MINWR typically gets a nice diversity of wintering sparrows and on this morning sparrow walk we plan to search for both the marsh sparrows and upland sparrows. We’ll start the morning out in the marshes and with luck should be able to find Swamp, Saltmarsh and Nelson’s Sparrow. We should also find both Marsh and Sedge Wren. The sparrow possibilities of the upland sites Rosette Spoonbills. Photo by Ray Scory include: Savannah, Chipping, Grasshopper, Song and White-crowned right along the edge of Mosquito Lagoon. Birding can sometimes be Sparrow. Other sparrows that have been found at these sites in the past quite good along the trails to and on the mounds as middens provide several winters include: Field, White-throated, Clay-colored, Vesper, resting space and feeding areas for Neotropical migratory songbirds. Lincoln’s and LeConte’s Sparrow. We should have plenty of time to ask The El Dora Statehouse is a restored 1800s pioneer home that stands as questions and learn Mitchell’s and Adam’s sparrow secrets. the last remnant of an old Florida waterway community. This is a great Mythology of Birds for Children trip combining historical sights and coastal birds. Jan. 24, 2:00pm-3:00pm; Limited to 15 registrants; Free Malabar Scrub Hiking Tour Meet at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary: Drive south on US 1 about Jan. 22, 8:00am-10:00am; Limited to 24 registrants; $10 8 miles to the south end of town and turn right on SR405/Columbia Blvd. Drive about ½ mile and turn into the entrance of the EFS on right Meet at the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary, 1501 Malabar Woods Blvd ., Malabar, Florida Sarah Kraum (Naturalist, Brevard County EELS Program) Take US 1 south to Garden Street and turn right. Take I-95 south for Soar into the world of bird lore through hands-on activities. Learn about about 47 miles to the Malabar Road exit. Turn left on Malabar Road how ancient cultures revered and infused birds into their societies. For and go about 2.9 miles. Turn left into Malabar Community Park. Meet ages 7-12, adults must accompany child. at the parking area by the bathrooms. Chris O’Hara (South Management Region Land Manager) Night Tour of Fox Lake Sanctuary This is a two mile hike through the scrub, pine flarwoods and werlands Jan. 22, 6:30pm-9:00pm; Limited to 20 registrants; $10 areas of the Sanctuary. Focus will be onsite restoration efforts for the Meet at the entrance to Fox Lake Park, 4400 Fox Lake Road, Titusville Florida Scrub Jay. Wear closed toe shoes, bring water and aunscreen. Xavier de Seguin des Hons (North Region Land Manager) and Mike Knight (EELS Program Manager) Marl Bed Flats - Lake Jesup CA Directions: Go south on US 1 about 2.4 miles into downtown Titus- Jan. 21, 22 & 25, 6:00am-12:00pm; Limited to 26 registrants; $25 vulle. Turn right onto South Street and drive for about 3 1/4 miles. Meet in EFSC bus circle to make carpool arrangements. Bring wa- Turn right on Fox Lake Road and follow to the end at Fox Lake Park. ter. Be prepared to walk 2-3 miles, some of which may be through mud and standing water. It can sometimes be wet in areas, so rubber boots are recommended as well as insect repellent. It is also a fairly lengthy walk so water and trail snacks are advised. Tom Dunkerton (Nikon, Inc); Jan. 21 with Carlos Bethancourt (Canopy Tower Family); Jan. 22 with Chip Clouse (Novagrade USA); Jan. 25 with Corey Finger (10,000 Birds) Come join us for a hike that is sure to hold surprises. The Marl Bed Tract is a large hammock that lets out onto a pasture/wet prairie presenting us with an excellent diversity of habitat providing potential for an amazing array of Florida’s native wildlife.The hammock is home to Great Horned and Barred Owls as well as wintering migrants such as Yellow-throated, Black & White and Orange-crowned Warblers, Northern Parulas, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Blue-headed Vireos, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and more. As we exit the hammock, we will walk out onto the floodplains of Lake Jessup. The marsh vegetation and surrounding pastures can be filled with many surprises like Henslow’s, LeConte’s and Lincoln Sparrows, a male Vermillion Flycatcher, and American Woodcock. Countless Eastern Meadowlarks in addition to Savannah Sparrows, American Pipits; Least Sandpipers and other shorebirds can be encountered here while Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, Peregrine Falcons and other raptors patrol the skies above us. This is sure to be an adventurous morning hike for any skill level of birding. Female Belted Kingfished. Photo by Joel Reyolds

22 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips

Hosts

OFTHE Expo! For readers Americanwho Birding like to bird and birders

Coots. Photo by Tom Dunkerton who like to read.

This is an after dark driving tour of the nature sanctuary. Visitors will ride on a trailor with bench seating. Some lilmited seating is also available in 4x4 vehicles. The trip will include a 1/2 mile hike with owl calling experience. Wear closed toe shoes and bring insect repellent, water and a flashlight. Nocturnal Nature Hike Jan. 23, 6:30pm-8:30pm; Limited 20 registrants; Free Meet at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary. Joe Swingle and Sarah Kraum, (Naturalists, Brevard Co. EELs Program) Meet at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary: Drive south on US 1 about 8 miles to the south end of town and turn right on SR405/Columbia Blvd. Drive about ½ mile and turn into the entrance of the EFS on the right. Bring water and wear comfortable closed toe shoes. Whhoooo… is ready for a nocturnal adventure at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary? Join Naturalists on a night of discovery and exploration. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, bug spray and flashlight. North Brevard Hotspots Jan. 21, 22, 23, & 24, 6:30am-2:00pm; Limited to 26 registrants; $55 Meet at EFSC bus circle to board bus. This trip requires moderate walking. Wear comfortable closed-toed shoes. Bring lunch money for Dixie Crossroads. Doug Stuckey; Jan. 21 with Selina Kiser (Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail); Jan. 22 with Elsa Alvear (Biscayne National Park) and Jeff Bouton (Leica Sport Optics); Jan. 23 with Chuck Hagner (Editor, Birdwatching Magazine) and Sarah Linney (Space Coast Audubon); Jan. 24 with Jason Guerard (Florida Ornithological Society). Hop on the bus for a trip through the pines and palmettos of North Brevard’s scrublands and wetlands to learn about some of our favorite, not so famous hotspots. Northern Brevard County has much to offer in well-known birding sites like Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore. We also have productive, yet lesser-known areas, Seminole Ranch, Hatbill Park, Buck Lake, Salt Lake, Hammock Road and others. Along with the usual wading birds, shorebirds and waterfowl, various woodpeckers, Painted Bunting, Explore our content Loggerhead Shrike, Limpkin, Roseate Spoonbill, Reddish Egret, Bald across multiple platforms. Eagle, Wood Stork, Florida Scrub-Jay and Sandhill Crane are possible. This trip has counted approximately 108 species previously. Specific sites to be visited will be determined during pre-festival scouting trips. Our trip will resume after lunch. Pish-Free Birding Jan. 25, 7:00am-10:00am; Limited to 12 registrants; $25 Meet at MINWR Oak & Palm Hammock parking lot, just past the MIN- birdwatchersdigest.com WR Visitor’s Center on the left. Dee and David Simpson (Birding with David Simpson) sss

23 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org

Space Coast_15 Ad.indd 1 9/25/14 10:29 AM field trips

Picture yourself sitting at home in the kitchen. You are just about to sit stories associated with them. down with a PB&J and a nice cold glass of milk, when suddenly you hear a voice yelling, “WHAT’S THAT? WHAT’S THAT? WHAT’S THAT?” You Red-cockaded Woodpeckers & More at Hal Scott Region- get up, look around, and there is no one there. After a while you calm al Preserve & Park down and go back to eating a now soggy sandwich and warm milk. Jan. 24, 5:15am-11:00am; Limited to 26 registrants; $50 This doesn’t sound like a fun time now does it? This is basically what Meet at EFSC bus circle to board bus. Portions of the site may require you are doing when you pish for birds - you are interrupting their daily crossing mud and standing water, so be prepared for a wet and wild adventure! Water-friendly footwear would be a good idea. business by making a warning call. Join us for a quiet, polite birding field trip where we will look and listen for birds on their terms, not ours. Maria Zondervan and Lorne Malo (Department of Environmental Pro- tection) Pishing, tapes and calls are NOT allowed on this field trip. Join St. Johns River Water Management District biologists Maria Plants & Their Uses through History from Ancient to Zondervan and Lorne Malo at the Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park Modern Times for an exciting half-day adventure in pursuit of some of east Orange Jan. 24, 12:00pm-2:30pm; Limited to 20 registrants; Free County’s resident birds. We will start out by visiting an active Red- cockaded Woodpecker colony as the birds awaken from their roost. Meet at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary. Drive south on US 1 about 8 miles to the south end of town and turn right on SR405/Columbia From there we will explore the pine flatwoods, wet prairies, and the Blvd. Drive about ½ mile and turn into the entrance of the EFS on the Econlockhatchee River swamp in search of such common inhabitants right. Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and bring water. as the Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Jay Barnhart and Jim Stahl (Florida Native Plant Society and Friends Bachman’s Sparrow, Wood Duck, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, and Barred of the Enchanted Forest) Owl. With some luck we may find Wild Turkey, Hairy Woodpecker, Red- Titusville’s 470-acre Enchanted Forest Sanctuary is the flagship headed Woodpecker, Hermit Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Sedge property for the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Wren, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Cooper’s Hawk. In addition to many (EEL) Program. Preserving a significant sample of the original natural bird species, Gopher Tortoises, White-tailed Deer, and River Otters can communities, the incredible diversity found throughout the Sanctuary’s also be found. varied habitats include xeric oak scrub, mature hardwood forests, wetlands and pine flatwoods. In one of the few places in Central Florida Reptiles of the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary where subtropical and temperate plant species are found together, Jan. 21, 9:00am-11:00am; Limited to 20 registrants; Free visitors can also see the exposed layers of coquina rock that form the Joe Swingle (Naturalist, Brevard Co. EELs Program), and Becky Bolt, Atlantic Coastal Ridge. Your interpreters for this session will be trail (Senior Biologist, IHA) guide volunteer and avid mushroom hobbyist Jay Barnhart and retired Meet at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary: Drive south on US 1 about land manager and biologist Jim Stahl. Your leisurely guided walk 8 miles to the south end of town and turn right on SR405/Columbia will begin on the well-named Biodiversity Loop Trail, which passes Blvd. Drive about 1/2 mile and turn into the entrance of the EFS on the right. Bring water and wear comfortable closed toe shoes. through dry scrub areas as it gently ascends to the sandy, higher Discover gopher tortoises, snakes, and other reptiles that make call the elevation known as the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. From there it descends Enchanted Forest Sanctuary home. This program includes a hands-on to humid wetlands and across a boardwalk that passes over a swampy presentation on reptile biology and a short hike to view reptiles and ecosystem where the black topsoil is known as Tomoka muck. This their habitats. Participants will also get the opportunity to meet the will bring us to the beginning of the Magnolia Loop Trail, where we will nature center's resident red rat snake. continue under a dense mature forest canopy of impressively large southern magnolias and stately old oak trees. Traveling these diverse Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera ecosystems will hopefully introduce you to many of our treasured Jan. 21, 22, & 25, 6:00am-12:00pm; Limited to 26 registrants; $50 Enchanted Forest Sanctuary plants as we provide some interesting Meet at EFSC bus circle to board bus. Jan 21: Dan Click (Merritt Island Wildlife Asso- ciation) with Corey Finger (10,000 Birds); Jan. 22: Michael O’Brien and Louise Zemaitis (VENT) with Sarah Linney (Space Coast Audubon); Jan. 25: Car- los Bethancourt (Canopy Tower Family),with Elsa Alvear (Biscayne National Park) Viera Wetlands is a series of connected ponds created to treat wastewater from the Central Brevard area. Since opening in 2001, this site has rapidly gained recognition as a premier destination within Brevard County for birders, wildlife watchers and photographers. During fall and winter, a remarkable diversity of bird species uses these wetlands and nearby prairie hammocks and cabbage palm savannahs. An active Bald Eagle nest is visible from the dike road, two families of Crested Caracaras maintain territories around the wetlands, and Black- bellied Whistling Ducks are regularly seen. Thousands of wintering ducks concentrate here, including Green- winged and Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mottled Duck, Hooded and Red-breasted Merganser, Lesser Scaup, Ring- Banded Water Snake. Photo by Roy Halpin necked Duck, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead and Ruddy 24 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips

Duck. Ponds on the north side of the complex are productive for shorebirds when water levels are low, especially during migration. Since opening in 2000, Viera Wetlands has been visited by several rarities, including the first North American record of Mangrove Swallow. Salt Lake WMA/Seminole Ranch Conservation Area Jan. 23 & 24, 6:45am-11:30am; Limited to 30 registrants; Free Meet at Salt Lake WMA, 1590 Arch Rd., Mims. From the intersection of US 1 and SR46, drive west on SR46 for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto Turpentine Rd. Go south on Turpentine Rd. It turns to dirt near the end. Follow the dirt road around the right curve where Turpentine Rd. turns into Panther Lane. Take Panther Lane straight past the stop sign at Tomato Farm Rd. Panther Lane curves to the left and becomes Arch Rd., which ends at a gate just past a ditch. This is the gate into Salt Lake WMA. This adventure will utilize trailers pulled by 4-wheel drive trucks. Participants will sit on hay bales. Portions of the properties may be wet and muddy. Wear closed-toe comfortable walking shoes. It may be cold. Please dress appropriately. Bring water and snacks. There is one port-o-let facility located at the Salt Lake WMA main Photo by Tom Dunkerton entrance. No restroom facilities are available during the trip. Dave Turner and Bryan Ames (FWC); Jan. 23 with Chip Clouse (Nova- property. Many salt-tolerant and marine dwelling organisms present grade USA); Jan. 24 with Fritz Davis (Florida State University) here are not found elsewhere in the Middle or Upper St. Johns River Home to a diverse range of natural communities, pine flatwoods, Basins. The salinity also influences the marsh vegetation surrounding hardwood hammocks and oak scrub occupy higher ground. Wetter the lakes. In some places, the soil is so salty that it can be tolerated only locales include oak/cabbage palm hammocks, swamps, freshwater by one plant species - glasswort. Salt flats which border the lakes offer marshes, wet prairies, and salt flats. Numerous wading birds, good opportunities to view numerous shore birds and wading birds shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors can be found on the lakes and river. when water levels are not too high. Eastern Pygmy-Blue butterflies are White-tailed deer, feral hogs, river otters, alligators and turtles may also very common at the salt flats on the St. Johns River during spring and be seen. Bald Eagles and Wild Turkeys are common on both properties summer if water levels are low. At least 136 species of birds have been and Crested Caracaras are occasionally found. The flatwoods at Salt documented at the Salt Lake WMA. Approximately 178 bird species Lake WMA provide good habitat for woodpeckers and songbirds, such have been recorded on the Seminole Ranch CA. The 7,805-acre Salt as the Eastern Bluebird and Bachman’s Sparrow. Florida Scrub-Jays Lake WMA is jointly owned by the St. Johns River Water Management and Gopher Tortoises are found in the oak scrub on the Salt Lake District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is

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25 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips

basic impressions of size, shape and behavior, a more effective ID starting point is achieved. This outdoor workshop caters to beginning birders with little or no experience with shorebirds, and Kevin and his co-leaders will share basic tips for separating different shorebird families, and for building a solid foundation to take your shorebird ID skills to the next level. If you have trouble with shorebird ID and feel hopelessly stuck in a rut, this is the class for you. St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park Jan. 21 & 22, 4:30am-2:00pm; Limited to 12 registrants; $80 Meet at bus circle at EFSC to board VAN. Please bring money for lunch at Marsh Landing. During the field trip, participants will sit on hay bales in the back of pick-up trucks. Some walking through pine- woods and saw palmettos will be required for moderate distances. Samantha McGee (SSRPSP) and David Simpson (Birding With David Simpson); Jan. 221 with David Hartgrove (Florida Nature Tours); Jan. 22 with Jason Guerard (Tampa Audubon Society) This field trip is offered in two smaller groups in order to provide an extraordinary personal experience and less stressful effects on the species being observed. We will leave early in order to catch Red- cockaded Woodpeckers leaving their nest cavities at sunrise. This 22,000+ acre site is home to many of the sought-after pinewoods specialties. Nine families of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and more than 40 families of Florida Scrub-Jays call the preserve their home. Anhinga Male Breed. Photo by Roy Halpin Bachman’s Sparrows are abundant, though sometimes difficult to see in the winter months. Brown-headed Nuthatches are often encountered managed by the FWC. among the mixed-species feeding flocks. There will be a truck ride Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary Exploration Ride through the interior of the preserve where David and the preserve Jan. 22, 9am-11am; 16 participants; $10 biologist, Samantha McGee will give you the inside scoop on how the Meet at Parrish Park Scottsmoor, 4055 Magoon Ave. Scottsmoor, FL preserve is managed for these special birds and their habitats. After Directions: Drive north on US 1 for 10 miles, turn left on Magoon Ave watching the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers emerge, we will tour other in Scottsmoor - the Park is at the end of the street. parts of the preserve in search of Florida Scrub-Jays and the species Javier de Sequin des Hons (EEL Program North Area Land Manager), found here. Sarah Kraum (EEL Program Naturalist) and Joe Swingle (EEL Program Naturalist) Tosohatchee I: Meet Native Florida Enjoy a leisurely trailer bench ride through pine flatwoods and other Jan. 21 & 23, 5:30am-12:00pm; Limited to 26 registrants; $50 habitats. Relax as we explore local flora and fauna and learn about Meet at EFSC bus circle to board bus. Comfortable, older walking recent land management activities. shoes with closed toes are recommended. Lynn Proenza (FWC); Jan. 21 with Elsa Alvear (Biscayne National Shorebird Workshop for Advanced Birders Park) and Mitchell Harris (Florida Orinthological Society); Jan. 23 with Jan. 23, 8:00am-12:00pm; Limited to 30 registrants; $50 Julie Zickefoose Meet at Parrish Park boat ramp area located on the left (north side The Tosohatchee marshes are feeding areas for wading birds and, adjacent to the picnic pavilions) just across the Titusville Bridge. Kevin Karlson (Kevin T. Karlson Photography), Steve Ritt and Corey Finger (10,000 Birds) Join author and professional field trip leader Kevin Karlson as he shares a more effective approach to shorebird ID as highlighted in his bestselling book, The Shorebird Guide. This class is tailored for more advanced birders who want to take their shorebird ID skills to the next level. Kevin and his co-leaders will share advanced tips on how to identify age and sex of shorebirds. These tips will emphasize structural features such as plumage to reach a more complete ID conclusion. This workshop will elevate your evaluation skills of all shorebirds for future ID challenges. Shorebird Workshop for Beginners Jan. 22, 8:00am-12:00pm; Limited to 30 registrants; $40 Meet at Parrish Park boat ramp area located on the left (north side by the picnic pavilions) just across the Titusville Bridge. Kevin Karlson (Kevin T. Karlson Photography), with Amar Ayyash (Au- thor), Steve Ritt and Michael Brothers (Marine Science Center). Join author and professional field trip leader Kevin Karlson as he shares a simple and effective approach to shorebird ID as highlighted in his bestselling book, The Shorebird Guide. With an initial focus on Limpkin. Photo by Roy Halpin

26 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips during winter months, host large numbers of migrating waterfowl. Forested uplands support deer, Bobcats, Gray Foxes, Wild Turkeys, woodpeckers, hawks, owls and songbirds. Some of the threatened and endangered species found at the reserve include Bald Eagle, Wood Stork, Eastern Indigo Snake, Gopher Tortoise and, on rare occasions, the Florida Panther. Birds of interest include Bachman’s Sparrow, Brown- headed Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, Red-headed Woodpecker and Florida Sandhill Crane. Shaped by alternating cycles of fire and flood, Tosohatchee WMA is a mosaic of marshes, swamps, pine flatwoods and oak hammocks. Deep inside the reserve, Jim Creek flows through some of the last remaining virgin cypress swamps in all of Florida. Bordering 19 miles of the St. Johns River in eastern Orange County, the reserve is named for Tootoosahatchee Creek, which flows through its northern portion. The abundance of wildlife must have been attractive to the Native Americans who lived at Tosohatchee long before the arrival of the first Europeans. Mounds within the reserve indicate that Timucuan Indians occupied the area for several centuries. Seminoles lived here too, fiercely defying the U.S. government’s attempts to eradicate them. Tosohatchee II: The Wilder Side Photo by Tom Dunkerton

and water. There are no restrooms here. No restrooms are available Jan. 22, 5:30am-2:00pm; Limited to 26 registrants; $60 during the trip. Meet at EFSC bus circle to board bus. This is a hike of intermediate Stephen Stipkovits (Florida Forest Service); Jan 21 with Dave Good- skills. Trails may be wet, so please wear older,comfortable closed toe win (Florida Ornithological Society); Jan. 23 with Mitchell Harris (Flor- shoes and bring snacks and water. This tour includes box lunches. ida Ornithological Society) Lynn Proenza (Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission) and Among Florida’s most significant conservation efforts, the public lands Selena Kiser (Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail) cover 125 square miles west of Titusville. The Turkey Creek Tract is With 30,700 acres and 60 miles of multiuse trails and dirt roads to among the final shoreline acquisition properties in one of the most wander, Tosohatchee WMA has plenty to offer birders and wildlife truly wild sections of the St. Johns River. Large portions of the Turkey watchers (see Tosohatchee I). While one visit barely scratches the Creek Tract are pasture interspersed with hardwood hammocks and surface of this wild and scenic property, this new tour showcases some pine flatwoods, which are home to hundreds of wintering Sandhill of Tosohatchee’s wilder spots and features destinations not included Cranes, dozens of Wild Turkeys and Northern Bobwhites, and numerous on the original tour. You’ll want to lace up your hiking boots for this other grassland birds, including Eastern Meadowlark, American Kestrel, one; we’ll be walking several miles of trails away from the main roads. Red-tailed Hawk; Loggerhead Shrike, and Grasshopper Sparrow. Bald Depending on pre-festival scouting results, we’ll choose from among Eagles nest immediately off-site to the north and a pair of Crested the wide array of ponds, wooded creeks, hammocks, pine forests Caracaras inhabit the St. Johns River marsh on the east side of the and marshes in search of ducks, wading birds, rails, raptors, owls, tract. Numerous shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl can be found songbirds and more. The WMA’s checklist includes roughly 220 species, on the river’s floodplain. with rarities such as Crested Caracara, Short-tailed Hawk, King Rail, St. Johns River Water Management District and State of Florida Limpkin and Rusty Blackbird. property is an addition to the Charles H. Bronson State Forest which Turkey Creek Tract - Charles H. Bronson State Forest has allowed the Festival to again tour this property. Approximately 140 species of birds have been identified here to date. Jan. 21 & 23, 7:30am-11:30am; Limited to 10 registrants; $40 Directions to 3800 Curryville Rd., Chuluota, FL 32766: From the inter- Warbler Sounds & Sightings section of I-95 (Exit 223) and SR46: Go west on SR46 for 16.4 miles. Jan. 22, 7:00am-12:00pm; Limited to 26 registrants; $50 Turn left at traffic light in Geneva; go south on CR426 for 0.8 miles. Bear left onto Snow Hill Rd.; go 5.2 miles. Turn left onto Ave. H; go 0.1 Meet at EFSC bus circle to board bus. There will be multiple stops on miles. Turn left onto Brumley Rd.; go east 1.0 miles. Turn right onto this trip for opportunity to see and learn more about warblers. 1) The Lake Mills Rd.; go 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Curryville Rd.; go 2.6 miles. home of Doug & Susie Stuckey (1855 Cowan Dr, Titusville 32796) and Parking lot for Chuluota Wilderness Area is on the right just past the 2) Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach power lines. From the intersection of I-95 (Exit 215) and SR50: Go Joel Reynolds (Photographer) and Keith Winsten (Brevard Zoo) west on SR50 for 10.3 miles. Turn right on Fort Christ Rd.; go north Warblers are some of the most beautiful birds of the world. But their for 9.7 miles. Turn right on Lake Mills Rd.; go 0.8 miles. Bear straight- beautiful colors often blind birders to many of their most important ID ish/rightish (do not turn left) to go onto Curryville Rd.; go 2.6 miles. Parking lot for Chuluota Wilderness Area is on the right. Participants points. Identifying the warblers and other species singing in the field is must ride inside extended-cab 4-wheel drive pick-up trucks. Some one of the most enjoyable and satisfying aspects of birding. This is an walking (1-2 miles) may be necessary, depending on water levels. outstanding opportunity to spend time with Tom and Scott and Keith to Portions of the property will be wet and muddy – be sure to dress learn more about Warblers in our local habitats. appropriately. And wear comfortable closed toe shoes. Bring snacks

27 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org field trips

reptiles, butterflies and other insects) that we might come across. Zellwood & Lake Apopka Jan. 22, 23 & 24, 5:30am-4:30pm; Limited to 26 registrants; $80 Meet at EFSC bus circle to board bus. Box lunches will be pro- vided. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes. Jan. 22: Jim Peterson (St. Johns River Water Management Dis- trict) with David Hartgrove (Florida Nature Tours); Jan. 23: Pam Bowen (St. Johns River Water Management District) with Adam Kent (Florida Ornithological Society) and Gina Kent (Avian Re- search & Conservation Network); Jan. 24: Gian Basili (St. Johns River Water Management District) with Dave Goodwin (Florida Nature Tours) Despite its long history of great birding, this area may be one of the very best but least-known birding areas on the Eastern Seaboard. In the 1940s, 20,000 acres of marsh on Lake Apopka’s north shore were drained to create muck farms which fed millions for over half a century. Farming practices required flooding the fields each summer to kill nematodes. Over several weeks,

Photo by Tom Dunkerton the water was drained into the lake, creating ideal habitat for migrating shorebirds. In the early 1950s, birders began visiting Wildflowers, Plants, & Other Things: North Brevard Area the area and received great cooperation from the landowners. The St. Jan. 21, 8:00am-3:30pm; Limited to 20 registrants; Free Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) purchased most of Jan. 23, 9:00am-4:30pm; Limited to 20 registrants; Free the farmlands in the 1980s and 1990s to restore wetland habitat and Meet at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center for in- improve water quality in Lake Apopka. Shorebirds that normally would tro, followed by carpool field trip. Moderate amount of walking on dry have left remained into winter and were joined by unprecedented trails will be required. numbers of waterfowl. Large numbers of flycatchers, sparrows, and Jim Stahl and Jay Barnhart (Florida Native Plant Society and Friends other passerines also used the area. In 1998, the first Christmas Bird of the Enchanted Forest) Count (CBC) in the area established a national inland record with 174 NOTE: Please bring money for lunch at one of Titusville’s fine historic bird species. SJRWMD has been supportive of the birding community downtown dining establishments. and has provided help each year with the CBC. Highlights from previous Florida was named for the abundance of flowering plants that early fieldtrips include as many as 13 sparrow species, including rarities like explorers found here. Today the many habitats of Florida (hardwood LeConte’s and Clay-colored, and unique flycatcher species like Western, and palm hammocks, deciduous forest, pine flatwoods, scrub, sand Cassin’s, Tropical and Gray Kingbirds and Ash-throated Flycatchers. hills, prairie, coastal dunes, roadsides, marsh, swamp and riverine) The first state records of Roughlegged Hawk, Eurasian Kestrel, and support over 4000 species of native and naturalized wildflowers Ferruginous Hawk were recorded here, as well as second state records plus numerous exotics from the horticultural trade. This program for the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, White-cheeked Pintail and Ross’ Goose. will present slides of wildflowers, trees, shrubs, ferns and other plants with comments on their natural history, uses by people and wildlife, home landscaping values and occurrences. The presentation will highlight plants that can be seen during the festival week. Information on books for identifying and locations for finding Florida plants will be included. The field trip will present diverse habitats in and around Brevard County including mature deciduous/semi- tropical forests, pine flatwoods, oak-palm hammocks, cypress swamps, freshwater marshes, brackish lagoons, lakes, scrub, sedge meadows, and coastal dunes. With so many habitats, the region supports numerous plant species, majestic trees, shrubs, beautiful wildflowers, grasses and sedges and ferns. On this trip we will observe and discuss many species of plants and their habitats, plus anything else (birds, Zellwood & Lake Apopka Field Trip. Photographer Roy Thoman

28 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org classroompresentations

Reflections of the day. Photo by Tom Dunkerton

how to get here The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival will be based at Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) - Titusville Campus, 1311 N. US 1 from January 21 through 25, 2015. Registration desk, classroom presentations, field trip staging, exhibits, silent auction, art show and food service can be found there. to wear If You Are Driving whatJanuary is typically Florida’s coldest month, but temperatures can fluctuate Take Interstate 95 to Titusville. wildly. Expect average temps to be in the 40s and 50s at night and the 60s • From the south, exit at SR406 (Exit 220). Go and 70s in the daytime. Temperatures can dip into the 30s at night and never east to US 1. Go north on US 1 for 1.9 miles. leave the 50s during the daytime after a strong cold front. Rain is very scarce EFSC is on the right, just north of the Parrish in January, however, a cold front may be accompanied by a squall line. Plan to layer your clothing. It can be very cold at sunrise and then warm up nicely Medical Center. during the day. It could be chilly out on the water on kayak and boat trips, so • From the north, exit at SR46 (Exit 223). Go dress warmly. Be sure to bring rain gear if you are going on the pelagic trip! east to US 1. Go south on US 1 for 2.4 miles. More than likely the wind will blow and spray will fly. The Gymnatorium can be EFSC will be on the left. chilly too. Bring a sweater or a jacket if you are an exhibitor. classroom tips If You Are Flying • From Orlando International Airport: • A long sleeved shirt or light jacket may make your classroom experience more enjoyable – all rooms are air-conditioned. Go east on SR528 (Beachline/Toll Road) • The classroom staging area is in front of the Gymnatorium. Bus trips will to I-95 (follow the sign that directs you to depart from that area. Carpool groups will meet there. You will be directed I-95 North). Go north on I-95. Follow above to your bus location by the Transportation Monitors, who will be available for driving directions coming from the south. each departure. Departure times are firm - arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. • Please bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and rain gear • From Melbourne International Airport: (just in case). It is recommended for classrooms that you wear comfortable Follow signs directing you from the Airport to shoes/sneakers, comfortable shirts, and long pants (protection against insects I-95. Go north on I-95. Follow above driving and thorns). Some classrooms may require boots. • Don’t forget your camera, binoculars, or other equipment that will make your directions coming from the south. festival experience more memorable.

29 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org classroom presentations

A Quarter Century of Superb Photography By Chuck Hagner (Editor, BirdWatching Magazine) Jan 22 10:00-11:00am; 119; Limited to 40 registrants; $25 “To present the fascinating story of birds and birding to all bird enthusiasts.” That’s the way Founding Editor Eldon Greij (pronounced GRAY) described the goal of BirdWatching magazine in 1987. The best way to achieve that goal, he wrote, is to showcase the inherent beauty of birds through “superb photography.” For over a quarter century, the magazine’s goal has remained unchanged, while its reliance on superb photography has only grown. In this presentation, Chuck Hagner, editor-in-chief of BirdWatching, will use a gallery of the best photos to have appeared in the magazine -- ranging from a Gyrfalcon photographed on Ellesmere Island to a Red- tailed Tropicbird shown gliding over the island of Hawaii -- to describe what he and the other editors look for when choosing photos. Booted Racket-tail Hummingbird. Photo by Reinier Munguia Barn Owls: Nature’s Mousetrap Annual Journey of the Swallow-tailed Kite: Breeding Re- quirements, Migration Route & Winter Destinations Jan. 23, 1:00pm-2:30pm; 119; Limited to 40 registrants; Free Richard Raid, PhD (University of Florida) Jan. 22, 3:00pm-4:00pm; 121; Limited to 40 registrants; $20 Since 1994, the University of Florida has been involved in a program Gina Kent, Avian Research & Conservation Institute (ARCI) promoting Barn Owls as a sustainable means of rodent control. Gina Kent, who has worked for ARCI and studied Swallow-tailed Kites Hundreds of nesting boxes now dot the Everglades Agricultural Area for over 13 years, will share the latest in technology and field methods of south Florida. The UF Barn Owl Project has met with great success and the fine details of this spectacular bird’s long-distance, seasonal in increasing Barn Owl population in the Glades, with boxes exhibiting movements and fascinating behaviors. Learn the results of ARCI’s nearly 100% occupancy. Agriculture and wildlife are not the sole latest research on Swallow-tailed Kites. Find out what they look for beneficiaries. In this seminar, presenter Dr. Richard Raid will describe in a breeding territory, how they are one of North America’s most the biology of these marvelous raptors and detail the project’s social raptors, and the challenges progress. Attendees will also be treated to amusing stories and they face throughout the year as video involving the use of Barn Owls and regurgitated owl pellets they migrate 10,000 miles between for youth education, not to mention, free pellets for their own their U. S. nesting areas and winter enjoyment. locations in South America. Employed by the University of Florida as a professor of plant Barn Owl Pellet Dissection pathology, Dr. Raid initiated a program promoting the use of barn or “What’s for Dinner?” owls for sustainable rodent control in 1994. The UF Barn Owl Jan. 24, 10:30am-12:00pm; Gaze- Program quickly gained the acceptance of the agricultural industry bo; Limited to 24 registrants; Free with which Dr. Raid worked, providing the Everglades Agricultural Richard Raid, PhD (University of Area with some of the highest Barn Owl densities in North America. Florida) Not one to miss an opportunity for engaging kids in nature, Raid has This workshop is nature’s version of used the project as an educational outreach program. Now, more CSI! Have you ever wondered what widely recognized for Barn Owls than plant pathology, Dr. Raid and sort of prey raptors capture and the UF Barn Owl Project have been featured on CNN, the National feed on? Due to the alkaline nature Geographic Society’s website, and PBS’s Nature series. of a Barn Owl’s stomach, many of the bones, fur and chitinous Beneficial Bats parts of a Barn Owl’s prey are Jan. 23, 10:00am-11:00am; 121; Limited to 40 registrants; $15 left undigested. Such remains are Jan. 24, 1:00pm-2:00pm; 121; Limited to 40 registrants; $15 routinely regurgitated through the Barn Owls. Shari Blissett-Clark (Bat Belfrys, Inc.) mouth in the form of a compact Bats fulfill critical environmental roles on every continent except pellet. By collecting and dissecting these pellets, researchers can find Antarctica, helping to control insect populations, disperse seeds, and out exactly what these marvelous raptors have been eating. Discover for pollinate plants. Yet these fascinating mammals frequently fall victim yourself why Barn Owls have frequently been termed the most beneficial to misinformation, superstition, and ignorance. This program will dispel bird on the planet. This workshop will enable each adventurous commonly held myths and misconceptions about bats and present a participant to dissect his or her very own owl pellet(s), discovering what glimpse into their amazing world. Attendees will have an opportunity lies inside. Then, by comparing skeletal remains utilizing bone charts, to meet live amBATssadors after the presentation. Suitable for families you will be able to figure out exactly what a Barn Owl eats. With a bit with school-aged children. of collaborative sleuthing, registrants may even discover what type of Best of Birding North America with Carl Zeiss ecosystem is inhabited by the owls that spit up these pellets. Think picking through owl regurgitation is disgusting? Think again! Believe it Jan. 24, 9:15am-10:15am; 121; Limited to 40 registrants; $10 or not, pellet dissection is a favorite lesson at many schools throughout Stephen Ingraham (Carl Zeiss Sports Optics) the nation. Adults, but especially kids of all ages, will find this workshop A virtual tour of the best birding, birding spots, and birding festivals on highly entertaining and informative. Sterilized owl pellets, dissecting the Carl Zeiss yearly schedule. It is the next best thing to being there tools and bone charts will be furnished to all registrants free of charge. yourself... and perhaps enough motivation to get you there next year.

30 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org classroom presentations

Birding by Ear Jan. 25, 11:00am-12:30pm; 119; Limited to 40 registrants; $25 Michael O’Brien (VENT) For many birders, both beginner and expert, attempting to learn bird sounds can be a daunting, if not a seemingly impossible task. So many species and so much variation – where does one start? This workshop will get you going by taking an analytical approach and focusing on helpful techniques for remembering bird sounds. Our emphasis will be on birds likely to be heard during the Festival, including some of those hoped-for Florida specialties. Birding Ecuador Jim Beckman (Cheepers Birding on a Budget); Jan 21, 8:45-9:45;123 limited to 40 registrants;$15 Ecuador is a birdwatchers' paradise. This South American country, roughly the size of Nevada, harbors amazing diversity in habitat and wildlife. Over 1640 species of birds inhabit Ecuador, including an incredible 131 species of Hummingbirds! Jim and Cindy Beckman, owners of Cheepers! Birding on a Budget, will share their Ecuadorian birding adventures with you based on five Ecuador trips they have led since February 2010. From the elfin forest of Yanacocha to the bird-rich Tandayapa Valley to the paramo of the high Andes, and on to the montane forests of the eastern slopes and the Amazon Basin, each change in habitat offers new bird species to see as new adventures unfold. Birding In Brazil Jim Beckman (Cheepers Birding on a Budget); Jan 24, 9:15-10:15;123 limited to 40 registrants;$15 Join us as we take you through 4 biomes in Brazil, from the world-famous Cristalino Lodge in Amazonia, to the Pantanal (the largest freshwater wetlands in the world and home to Jaguars), to the Cerrado savanna which covers 1.2 million square miles, and finally to the Atlantics Forests (home of more endemic bird species than anyplace on earth). Take a tour of this amazing country with Jim, exploring its truly breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife, and abundant birdlife through photographs and stories. See Jaguars, Harpy Eagles, Hyacinth Macaws and much more. Conservation in Action: How Eco-Tourism Lodges in Central & South America Are Fighting Deforestation & Habitat Loss Jan 25, 9:30am-10:30am; 119; Limited to 40 registrants; $15 Jim Beckman (Cheepers!Birding on a Budget) Millions of acres of forest are lost each year and more and more birds and wildlife are facing extinction. Logging, deforestation, fire, hunting, and invasive species are all contributing to habitat loss. Acquisition of land, employment alternatives and education are effective tools to reduce and offset the slash and burn of forests and the resulting bird and wildlife habitat loss. Jim and Cindy Beckman, owners of Cheepers! Birding on a Budget, have completed over 20 personal and business birding trips to Central and South America in the last 5 years. They have stayed and birded at many lodges that are expending considerable time, effort and money to counter deforestation and habitat loss. Join Jim as he shares the stories and accomplishments of several Central and South American eco- tourism lodges in their efforts to save and protect habitat. eBird Classroom Workshop Jan. 23, 12:30pm-2:00pm; AUD; Limited to 150 registrants; $40 Note: Bring your phone, iPad or laptop to this workshop. You may want to register for the companion field trip on page 19. WiFi available for this class. Jason Guerard (Tampa Audubon Society) eBird has become the go to resource for keeping your bird observations in one easy to use database. It’s a wealth of information and an 31 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org classroom presentations

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ince 1976, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours has offered Sworldwide birding and nature tours of the highest quality. On a typical VENT tour, 80 percent of participants have traveled with us previously, a testament to the excellence of our company. Our tours are led by superbly qualified leaders with years of experience, and our office staff handles logistics seamlessly to ensure that you have a successful, enjoyable trip. All of our United States tours (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) are guaranteed departures. We offer over 140 tours annually, including our regular birding & wildlife tours; relaxed & easy, introductory, natural history, and wilderness tours; workshops; and cruises and special departures. Join us! Purple Gallinule ©Shutterstock | CST2014998-50

800.328.VENT (8368) 512.328.5221 [email protected] www.ventbird.com ■ ■ ■ 32 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org classroom presentations increasingly powerful tool that is useful to birders on a local, state and national level. In this classroom portion of the eBird workshop we will use our observation counts from the RGMWV field trip to discuss the data submission process. Discussion will include data entry tips and shortcuts. We will explore the various types of data output available (maps, bar charts, graphs and count data, etc.) and how we as birders can use this data to further our personal knowledge of avian status and distribution locally and nationally. Jason will discuss how scientists use the data we submit to eBird and how eBird is useful to the traveling birder and those searching to find specific species in their own region. We will explain the use of list keeping phone applications and their interaction with the eBird data base. Florida Raptors - Part I: Vultures through Accipiters Jan. 22, 2:00pm-3:30pm; AUD; Limited to 150 registrants; $30 Jason Guerard (Tampa Audubon Society) There are 21 species of diurnal raptors, including both species of vultures, that are regularly found in Florida. Hawks are frequently described as difficult to identify. It takes considerable hours with binoculars pointed skyward to hone skills necessary to identify a raptor that is a speck on the horizon or high in the sky. Join Jason who continually studies and has counted hawks at some of the nation’s best hawk watching locales. The focus of this presentation will be on close range and distant Scoliid Wasp on Passion flower. Photo by DeeAnn Jennings Kiesel flight identification using shape, silhouette and flight style. we will Join Angel & Mariel Abreu for a fun-filled introduction to birding! This discuss migration strategies and routes, status in Florida, identification interactive workshop/field trip will focus on the basics of birding, references, plumage and general life history. There will be a quiz to identifying birds and how to use and choose the right binoculars for asses your new found hawk identification skills. Part I will cover vultures, kids. After our indoor workshop we will venture outside where we Ospreys, kites, Bald Eagle, Harrier and the eternally vexing Sharp-shinned will put your new birding skills to the test. Bring your field guide and and Cooper’s Hawks. On January 25 Jason will present Part II the Buteos binoculars if you have them, if not we will have binoculars available for through Falcons. These sessions can equip you with knowledge to spend loan. See you there! a day as official counter at your local hawk watch site. Monarch Migration Florida Raptors - Part II: Buteos through Falcons Jan. 22, 2:00pm-3:00pm; 119; Limited to 40 registrants; $25 Jan. 23, 10:00pm-11:30am; AUD; Limited to 150 registrants; $30 Louise Zemaitis (Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Swallowtail Studios) Jason Guerard (Tampa Audubon Society) Monarchs are famous for the dramatic journey they make each autumn This presentation follows Raptors Part I: Vultures through Accipiters through eastern North America to their winter roosts in Mexico. Louise classroom presentation. As hawks are acknowledged as difficult to Zemaitis, coordinator of the Monarch Monitoring Project in Cape May, identify as a speck raptor on the horizon or high in the sky, join Jason New Jersey, has been studying these butterflies for the past 20 years. as he guides you through his focus on close range and distant flight In this presentation she will describe the natural history of Monarchs, identification using shape, silhouette and flight style. Also, Jason will their migration, and the work being done to further our understanding discuss migration strategies and routes, status in Florida, identification of this amazing butterfly. references, plumage and general life history. There will be a quiz to asses your new found hawk identification skills. Today the Buteos, (The) Natural History of South Africa Golden Eagle, Caracara and the Falcons will be covered. This session will Jim Beckman (Cheepers Birding on a Budget); Jan 23, 10:00-11:00;113 help you develop further knowledge for your hawk searches and counts. limited to 30 registrants;$15 South Africa is one of the most exotic and captivating places in the world. Harpy Eagle Quest into the Darien Province of Panama Its stunning combination of culture, history, people, and landscapes Jan. 22, 12:30pm-1:30pm; 119; Limited to 40 registrants; $15 have made it a dream place to visit for large numbers of tourists. For Jim Beckman (Cheepers! Birding on a Budget) birders and wildlife enthusiasts, this unquestionably gorgeous country Join us as we take you from the rainforests of Central Panama, to the at the most southern point of the dark and mysterious African continent historic ruins of Panama City, to the Panama Canal, and to the jungles offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Jim Beckman will share his surrounding a remote native village, while enjoying the spectacular experiences on the Cheepers! Birding on a Budget South African tours avian fauna for which Central America is renowned. taken in October 2011 and October 2013. Take a tour of this amazing This is the story of a group of birders on their quest to observe a young country with Jim, exploring its truly breathtaking scenery, amazing Harpy Eagle that had not yet left its nest in the Darien Province of wildlife, and abundant birdlife through photographs and stories. Panama. Jim and Cindy Beckman led a group of 11 birders to one of the most remote areas of Central America, and they have many anecdotes Nature Journaling Workshop and photos to share. The group had the good fortune to live for several Jan. 21, 1:30pm-3:30pm; EFS; Limited to 20 registrants; Free days among the Embera tribe in a primitive village, the closest site to Meet at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary. begin the 7-hour hike to the nest site. Sarah Kraum (Environmentally Endangered Lands) Nature journaling is an excellent way to record your observations, Intro to Birding: Young Birders Edition reflections, and responses to the environment. It defies definition as Jan 24, 10:30-12:00; 113 ; limited to 25 registrants ; FREE some people may sketch, some may write poetry, or others may simply

33 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org classroom presentations

Painting Birds Jan 22; 10:30-11:30; 121; limited to 40 registrants; $25 Julie Zickefoose (Author) Have you ever wondered how an artist goes about gathering inspiration and reference for a painting? How a painting is done, from the first sketches to the final wash? How an artist manages to make a living drawing and painting natural history subjects? Widely-published artist Julie Zickefoose opens her sketchbooks, studio, and gallery for a walk-through in this slide talk. 50 minutes. Pelagic Birds of Florida’s Northeast Coast Jan. 21, 10:30am-11:30am; 121; Limited to 40 registrants; $20 Michael Brothers (Marine Science Center) and Amar Ayyash (Author) Note: Register for and attend this class and receive a $10 discount when you register for the Pelagic Boat Trip. Gladiator Frog. Photo by Reinier Munguia The pelagic birds are one of the last frontiers of our understanding of list their sightings. The beauty of it is that there are no rules; it’s just Florida’s avifauna. These birds of the open ocean come from distant you, your experiences, and the natural world. However, getting started shores of the Arctic, or remote islands of the Caribbean and South can be the tricky part. Come learn some helpful tricks and tips, hone in America, or from the coast of Europe, northwest Africa, and even islands on your sketching skills, and then experience the outdoors through your off Antarctica. These great travelers pass by our shores largely unseen. nature journal while we hike through the Enchanted Forest. Journals The difficulties of offshore access limits the numbers of observers, and will be provided. this is compounded by the challenges of identification. Our knowledge Natural Splendor of Panamá! is often limited to coastal observers getting a brief glimpse of a Jan. 24, 2:30pm-3:30pm; 121; Limited to 40 registrants; $20 Shearwater or Storm Petrel. Systematic studies of Florida’s oceanic birdlife are very few. This Carlos Bethancourt (Canopy Tower Family) Join the knowledgeable and entertaining head guide of the Canopy program will offer an introduction to this challenging group of birds Tower, Carlos Bethancourt, on a photographic journey across Central as we continue to try to unravel the dynamics of the occurrence of Panamá, where myriad tropical birds, bizarre mammals and unusual these birds and their relationship to the oceanic environments. Black- reptiles and amphibians are seen in their natural setting! From Toucans to capped Petrel, Razorbill, Red-billed Tropicbird, Bulwer’s Petrel, Manx hummingbirds, Mouse Opossums to tongue-wielding Orange Nectar Bats, Shearwater, Band-Rumped Storm-Petrel – these are names that set a Panamá, though scarcely the size of South Carolina but perfectly positioned birder’s heart racing in Florida. as a narrow land bridge between North and South Americas, is blessed Point-and-Shoot for Wildlife with an incredible natural beauty and biodiversity second to none. More Jan. 22, 4:00pm-5:00pm; 119; Limited to 40 registrants; $15 than 976 bird species, hundreds of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and Stephen Ingraham (Carl Zeiss Sport Optics) a staggering 10,000 plant species have been recorded there. Carlos will If you have ever dreamed of bringing back frame filling photographs keep you spellbound with his stories of discovery and vivid images. Come and videos of the birds and animals you see in the field, but hesitated experience why Panamá is indeed the country of Natural Splendor! Our Amazing Arachnids – Florida’s Spiders And Their Kin Jan 24. 11:00 – 12:00; 119; limited to 40 registrants; $10 A Slide Presentation by John Serrao People are fascinated by spiders, scorpions and other arachnids, but not always in a positive way. This slide program will dispel myths and misconceptions about these beneficial creatures and showcase the fabulous diversity of colors, shapes, and sizes exhibited by Florida’s many species. More than 65 species will be shown, ranging from tiny, silvery “dewdrop spiders” that loiter in the webs of big orb- weavers to steal unattended prey, to gigantic fishing spiders that can overpower and eat tree frogs. Scorpions and their bizarre cousins, the whip scorpions and wind scorpions, will also be shown, as well as daddy-long-legs, ticks, and other relatives of spiders. Besides highlighting their beauty and diversity, this program also emphasizes the important role that spiders play as predators – and as prey – in our natural communities, and how 99% of Florida’s species are harmless to humans. (John Serrao received his M.S. degree with an emphasis on entomology from Cornell University and has been a professional Naturalist, writer, photographer, and tour leader for 40 years. He has written 7 books about natural history, and his photos have appeared in hundreds of magazines, textbooks, field guides, and museums. He lives in DeLand, Florida) Photo by Tom Dunkerton

34 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org classroom presentations

effect, with participation of state, local, federal governments and most importantly individual efforts. Experience how a nesting colony looks and sounds. Understand where the nesting colonies can be found from the Everglades to North Florida, how to find them, when and how to approach them. Presentation includes photos and audio/videos. Seven-Fold Path to Better Birding Jan. 21, 9:15am-10:15am; 121; Limited to 40 registrants; $15 Stephen Ingraham (Carl Zeiss Sports Optics) NOTE: This is an ideal class to take before attending the Beginning Birding session on Saturday at MINWR! What do good birders know that you don’t (yet)? Here are seven simple disciplines that will make any birder a better birder and increase your enjoyment of the time you spend in the field. Great for beginners and any birder who wants to improve! Stephen Ingraham is the Birding and Naturalist Product Specialist for Carl Zeiss Optics. He is well known from his years as the editor of the

Yellow-throated Warbler. Photo by Tom Dunkerton “Tools of the Trade” section in Birding magazine, his frequent articles to invest in, or carry, the substantial gear normally required, Stephen in WildBird, Birder’s, Birdwatching Magazine and Birdwatch (UK) Ingraham of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics will present a compact, efficient, magazines, his appearances at ABA conventions and birding events and cost effective solution. A Point-and-Shoot digital camera behind the around the country and as the founder and editor of Better View Desired eyepiece of a high-quality spotting scope mounted on a light-weight and betterviewdesired.com. Bring paper and pen and be ready to take tripod will capture images and video that will definitely surprise you. notes. It is not difficult, and the results are more than satisfying. We will also Simple Strategies to Prevent Bird-Window Collisions cover today’s advanced P&S super-zooms as a wildlife option. Come see how it is done. Why leave the birds in the field when you can bring them By Chuck Hagner (Editor, BirdWatching Magazine) back in living color and full stereo sound to enjoy in your home (and to Jan 24;10:45-11:45; 121; limited to 40 registrants; $25 show off to friends!)? We cover spotting scope choice, camera choice, Every year in the United States, between 365 and 988 million birds are adaptor options, and basic technique, plus you get to see a variety of killed after colliding with buildings. samples to delight :) and inspire you. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the greatest mortality does not occur at gleaming, glass-covered high-rises, but at shorter buildings, and Profoundly Unscientific Bird Identification especially at residences. Jan. 23, 11:00am-12:00pm; 119; Limited to 40 registrants; $15 This means that homeowners across the country have a great Dee Fairbanks Simpson (Space Coast Audubon Society) opportunity: By decreasing the number of birds that strike their Join Dee (known as Space Coast Audubon’s “The Very Bad Birder”) windows, they can dramatically improve the state of our birds. to learn her utterly and profoundly unscientific methods for bird In this presentation, Chuck Hagner, editor-in-chief of BirdWatching identification. These methods include anthropomorphizing, comparing Magazine , will describe proven strategies and effective products that birds to cartoon characters, and when all else fails, making up huge homeowners can use to keep birds from striking the windows of their lies. Dee is a well respected birder with a birding life list of over 40,000. home. Radar Birding 101 Jan 24. 9-10am; 113; limited to 30 attendees; $15 Angel and Mariel Abreu (Nature is Awesome Tours) Have you ever wondered how many birds fly over Florida under the cover of night during migration? Thanks to advances in Doppler weather radars we are now able to investigate and answer this question. Join Angel and Mariel Abreu in this workshop as you are taught how to use radar to analyze bird migration. You will learn how to interpret radar images and how to put this technology to use when choosing where to bird during migration. How weather plays a crucial role as to when and where birds will migrate will also be covered. After this workshop you will be able to "see in the dark", adding a new tool to your birding toolkit that can take your birding to the next level. (The) Red Cockaded Woodpecker Roy Halpin; Jan 21, 10 am – 11 am; 123; limited to 40 attendees; $20 This program will discuss the most fascinating story of a single species of Piciforme – the Red-cockaded woodpecker. Their range is limited to the southeastern U.S. and is totally restricted to a properly maintained long leaf pine forest. The behavior of this unique species is quite fascinating: foraging, communications, nest building, nesting, raising young, fledging, and cooperation with in a family unit. Learn how we almost lost this species and the active effective recovery plan that is in Northern Pintail. Photo by Roy Thoman

35 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org classroom presentations

Situational Awareness and the Art of Disappearing Jan 24; 11:00-12:00; 123; limited to 40 registrants; $25 Julie Zickefoose (Author) Being in nature has the power to heal us and bring us closer to the creative power that resides inside us, waiting to be released. Julie Zickefoose offers simple tools to help you tap into nature’s power to restore and revive that spirit. Situational awareness is a key part of our evolutionary heritage, and we lose a little of it each time we plug into our omnipresent devices. Yet we can also use them to forge a deeper connection with nature. With prose, poetry, Julie will demonstrate how she hooks into something larger each time she steps outside, and translates that into content— and contentment. Sparrow ID Jan. 22, 1;00pm-2:30pm; 121; Limited to 40 registrants; $20 Field trip participants at Lake Woodruff. Photo by Roy Thoman Adam Kent (Florida Ornithology Society) of the combination of shapes, behaviors and patterns, you too can do This workshop introduces the basics for identification of inland sparrows away with the term “Little Brown Job.” You may even find yourself found east of the Mississippi River. Even though most North American saying you are going “sparrowing” instead of birding this winter. Adam sparrows lack the bright colors of many warblers, sparrows’ distinctive is the unofficial sparrow id authority. This is a great opportunity to get shapes, interesting behaviors and subtly beautiful patterns can allow us your sparrow fix for the day. to identify them with only a quick glance. Sure, sparrows and their often Vermin to Sentinels: Raptors & American Environmentalism secretive behaviors can present identification challenges in Florida in Jan. 23, 11:00am-12:30pm; 121; Limited to 40 registrants; $20 the winter. The trick is being prepared. Once you understand the basics Frederick “Fritz” Davis, PhD (Florida State University) “Vermin to Sentinel” explores how the status of raptors went through a profound transformation over the course of the Twentieth Century. Early in the century, farmers viewed hawks and eagle as rapacious predators. Like wolves and coyotes, many birds of prey carried bounties. Hunting hawks became a popular pastime, particularly at points of congregation along the coasts and mountain ridges. As scientists came to appreciate the vital role of predators in ecology, raptor reputations changed. Naturalists began to argue for the protection of hawks and eagles at migration sites. In Silent Spring, Rachel Carson drew upon migration data to argue that raptor populations were falling. The years after DDT was banned in 1972 saw the recovery of may species including Peregrines, Bald Eagles, and Osprey. Even today, raptors serve as sentinels of environmental change. Frederick “Fritz” Davis, Ph.D. is an associate professor of environmental history at Florida State University. His first book was “The Man Who Saved Sea Turtles: Archie Carr and the Origins of Conservation Biology.” He is currently finishing a book on Pesticides and Toxicology in the Twentieth Century. A lifelong birder and naturalist, Davis served as one of the official counters at Lighthouse Point Hawkwatch in New Haven, Connecticut for four seasons while he was completing his Ph.D. at Yale. Why Should I Go Birding? Jan 21, 3:00-4:00 pm; 121; limited to 40 registrants; $20 Jan 24, 2:00-3:00 pm; 123; limited to 40 registrants; $20 Dee and David Simpson (Birding with David Simpson) Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! Wait, no, it's bird... a kinda’ greyish bird with legs and a maybe it has a head? ...Ugh, I give up!!" Does this sound like you when you see something fly by? If so, join Dee and David to learn the real basics of birding, starting with, "Why should I go birding?" and ending with a bird walk where we will start you on your first life list.

36 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org photography & digiscoping Photographers Joe Brady…………...... pg 39 Robert Amoruso…………pg 39 Milton Heiburg…………...pg 41 Maxis Gamez....…………pg 41 Kevin Karlson...………….pg 42 Rob Knight...... …………pg 44 Digiscopy Ben Lizdas…………...... pg 44 Clay Taylor…………...... pg 44 Seashore Sunrise, South Brevard. Photo by Robert Amoruso

37 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org photography & digiscoping

Photography The Benefits of Spot Metering in Bird, Nature and Land- scape Photography Jan 22; 3:00-4:00, 123; limited to 30 participants; $25 Joe Brady (MAC Group) While today’s cameras have wonderful metering systems that perform well under many conditions, finding the perfect exposure for birds in flight or white clouds in a landscape often presents problems. The light in these types of subjects can be fleeting and change quickly. Not getting the shot correct in-camera the first time often means you missed the moment. A handheld spot meter capable of being calibrated to your camera can help eliminate these challenges. Join Joe Brady as he shows how a calibrated Sekonic L-758DR meter can give you the information for perfect exposure under practically any lighting conditions. No more blown-out plumage, no more white holes where the clouds used to be and no need to under expose to prevent burnouts that result in noisy, low contrast, low detail images in post process. A calibrated spot-meter gives you the information you need to get the best possible digital capture every time. No more missed shots as you wait for the perfect light, pose or flight for that great Great Egrets aerial battle, Sanibel. Photo by Robert Amoruso photograph. Confidently shoot at the perfect moment to get the shot you longest telephoto lens and tripods. We will be shooting close to want. the vehicles. Instruction includes metering/exposure, composition, designing pleasing backgrounds, handling equipment, shooting birds in Amoruso: Photography Field Workshops – MINWR flight and a host of other topics. Go to http://www.wildscapeimages.biz/ Jan. 22 (BPWD), 6:15am-10:00am; Limited to 12 registrants; $60 blog/?page_id=50 for a detailed description of this workshop. Meet at 6:15 am at Parrish Park boat ramp parking area (north side adjacent to the picnic pavilions) just across the Max Brewer Cause- Amoruso: Photography Field Workshop - Ritch Grissom way Bridge. The sun will rise at 7:15am, so please be on time. Though Memorial Wetlands at Viera not required, carpools are recommended and will be arranged at Jan. 23, 6:45am-10:30am; Limited to 12 registrants; $60 meet-up. We will proceed to MINWR from there. Meet at the parking lot of the Cracker Barrel at 7225 George T Ed- Robert Amoruso (Wildscape Images) wards Drive, Melbourne, FL at 6:30am. We will proceed to Ritch Gris- Join wildlife and nature photographer/Certified Florida Master Naturalist som Memorial Wetlands at Viera from there. The Wetlands open at 7 Robert Amoruso for a morning of in-depth field instruction at the area’s am, so please be on time. Though not required, carpools are recom- best location for avian and wildlife photography. Robert’s images have mended and will be arranged at meet-up. Those carpooling will leave won numerous national and international contests and have been their vehicles at the Wetlands parking – not at Cracker Barrel. featured in publications including Audubon Magazine. His image Robert Amoruso (Wildscape Images) of Royal Terns Courtship Dance won the Birds category of the 2006 Join wildlife and nature photographer/Certified Florida Master Nature’s Best Windland Smith Rice Int’l Photography Competition Naturalist Robert Amoruso for a morning of in-depth field instruction and was displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History for at one of Brevard County’s most popular wetlands. Normally at this a year. Locations we will visit include MINWR’s Black Point Wildlife time of the year multiple breeding pairs of Great Blue Herons will be Drive but may include Peacocks Pocket and/or Gator Creek Road if courting, displaying and nest-building at the wetlands. Bring cameras, time allows or conditions warrant. Bring cameras, wide-angle lens, wide-angle lens, longest telephoto lens and tripod if you have one. We will be shooting close to the vehicles. Instruction includes metering/ exposure, composition, designing pleasing backgrounds, handling equipment, shooting birds in flight and a host of other topics. Go to http://www.wildscapeimages. biz/blog/?page_id=50 for a detailed description of this workshop. Amoruso: Sunrise Landscape Photography / Bird Photography Field Workshop – Canaveral National Seashore / MINWR-BioLab Road Jan. 24, 6:00am-10:30am; Limited to 12 registrants; $60 Meet at 5:30 am at Parrish Park boat ramp parking area (north side adjacent to the picnic pavilions) just across the Max Brewer Causeway Bridge. The sun will rise at 7:15 am, so please be on time. Early meet-up is request- ed to allow us time to go over some basic instructions and be at the Seashore entrance gate at 6:00 am sharp. We will leave the boat parking lot at 5:45 am sharp so please be on time. Light is best starting ½ to ¾ hours before sunrise so I want to be on location to capture it. After sunrise we will travel Playalinda Road and Bio Lab Road for bird photography opportunities. Photo by Clay Taylor Robert Amoruso (Wildscape Images)

38 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org photography & digiscoping

Join wildlife and nature photographer/Certified Florida Master Naturalist Robert Amoruso for a morning of in-depth field instruction photographing the beautiful seashore during sunrise. He will demonstrate the techniques that he uses to create expressive, creative imagery including using neutral density filters, slow shutter speeds, hyper-focal distance and what it all means. Recommended equipment includes a tripod, wide-angle lens and camera. A handout will be provided covering the techniques that he will demonstrate and help you with that morning. It is highly recommended that you attend his Landscape Photography classroom seminar in advance where he will cover in detail the techniques he uses in the field. After sunrise we will continue the workshop along the beach access road and BioLab Road for additional landscape and bird photography opportunities. So bring your longest lens for the bird photography. Go to http://www. wildscapeimages.biz/blog/?page_id=50 for a detail description of this workshop Amoruso: Landscape Photography Jan. 22, 12:30pm-2:30pm; 123; Limited to 30 registrants; $35 This workshop is not a repeat of the 2013 workshop. New and im- proved, Robert will discuss basic compositional techniques, how to setup your cameras and tripods correctly, exposure settings and using filters in the field. Robert Amoruso (Wildscape Images) A landscape photographer for over 30 years, Robert has photographed the natural wonders of the Northeast and Southwest. Since arriving here in 1999, Robert has been photographing the beaches of Brevard County including the lovely Canaveral National Seashore. Creating expressive imagery is more than pointing the camera and snapping the shutter. This workshop will delve into those aspects of landscape Florida Scrub-Jay. Photo by Milton Heiberg photography Robert uses to create his expressive imagery. It is highly Workshop at Canaveral National Seashore (followed by a few hours of recommended that you attend his Landscape Photography Field bird photography) where we will put techniques discussed here into practice photographing sunrise. Sign-up at the session and receive a download link by email to the classroom presentation so you’ll always be able to refer to what you’ve been taught. Go to http://www. wildscapeimages.biz/blog/?page_id=50 for a detailed description of this workshop and examples of the images you can create. This presentation is for all levels of digital camera users. Amoruso: Advancing your Bird Photography Skills Jan. 23, 12:30 pm-2:30pm; 119; Limited to 30 registrants; $35 New for 2014, Robert will cover basic bird photography techniques he uses. Robert Amoruso (Wildscape Images) This workshop will cover those skills Robert has developed over the years that have allowed him to become a contest winner, a contest judge and successful photographic instructor. Did you know that your subject’s background influences your exposure more than the subject in most cases? We will discuss why. Learn to understand light and how to use it to present your images artistically. Our session will include a slide show and a question and answer period. If you are attending one of Robert’s field workshops and would like to get a leg up, plan on attending this informative session in advance. Sign-up at the session and receive a download link by email to the classroom presentation so you’ll always be able to refer to what you’ve been taught. Go to http:// www.wildscapeimages.biz/blog/?page_id=50 for a detailed description of this workshop. This presentation is for beginners and above digital camera users. Amoruso: Basic Post-Processing Techniques Jan. 24, 12:30pm-2:30pm; 119; Limited to 30 registrants; $35 New for 2014, Robert will cover his post-processing techniques. Robert Amoruso (Wildscape Images) Great Blue Heron. Photo by Milton Heiberg Lightroom and Photoshop users will find this workshop educational 39 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org photography & digiscoping as Robert discusses the post-processing techniques he uses to create his imagery. Adobe Camera Raw in Photoshop and Developer Module in Lightroom will be used to post-process images in real time [Adobe Elements users will find much shown here helpful too]. He will demonstrate his favorite Nik and Topaz filters. Sharpening will be discussed. Recording and using actions will be demonstrated. Learn how to create a small JPG for uploading to websites and emailing. Sign up at the session and receive a download link by email to the classroom presentation and actions demonstrated so you’ll always be able to refer to what you’ve been taught. Computers are not required. Go to http://www.wildscapeimages. biz/blog/?page_id=50 for a detailed description of this workshop. Heiberg: Bird Photography - How To Jan. 22, 1:00pm-2:00pm; 113, Bldg 1; Limited to 30 registrants; $35 Milton Heiberg (Milton Heiberg Studios) www.miltonheiberg.com Author of The Essentials of Nature Photography, and 35-year veteran of teaching nature photography, Milton Heiberg will show you how Photo by Maxis Gamez to capture the beauty of the birds, how to approach the birds with Heiberg: Photography Field Workshop telephoto lenses, and the technique of photographing birds in flight. Jan 23, 24 & 25, 5:45am-10:00am; Limited to 12 registrants; $60 He will also show you how to set up your camera for maximum Milton Heiberg (Milton Heiberg Studios) www.miltonheiberg.com performance when processing with Photoshop and other enhancement software. If you are planning to attend any of Milton’s field trips to Bio Meet at 5:45am at Parrish Park boat ramp area located on the left (north) side, just across the Titusville Bridge Lab Road, you should seriously consider this hands-on class. We will drive and stalk birds and wildlife along the beautiful water edge Heiberg: Close up Photography with Milton Heiberg of Bio Lab Road as the sun rises over the lagoon. Jan. 23 2:00-3:00 pm; 113, Building 1; limited to 30 registrants, $35 Bring tripod, and a 300+mm lens. Milton Heiberg, is a 35+ year veteran Students will learn new skills needed to capture the fascinating world of nature photography, teacher of the subject for 20 years at the New of small nature subjects close up, using tools such as macro lenses, York City Audubon Society and for the past 15 years at The Crealdé bellows attachments, telephoto lenses with extension tubes, and flash. School of Art in Orlando. He is also the Central Florida instructor for Learn how to make fully focused close-ups from front to back using Digital Photo Academy - a national school sponsored by Ricoh-Pentax "Stacking Technique." You need not own this equipment at the start. based in NYC. He is the author of seven books on photography. We will explore techniques needed to photograph small subjects from Many of his students have become well published and noted nature wildflowers to flying insects, and practice these newly learned skills. photographers (which includes Florida’s own Arthur Morris). You will receive a gratis copy of Milton’s classic book: The Essentials Heiberg: Photography - Digital Processing Workflow of Nature Photography. Jan. 22, 2:00pm-3:00pm; 113, Bldg 1; Limited to 30 registrants; $35 Gamez: Field Techniques for Every Bird Photographer – Milton Heiberg (Milton Heiberg Studios) www.miltonheiberg.com This hour deals with the other half of digital photography - the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetland at Viera computer. The agony of a wildlife photographer deals with getting up Jan. 21, 6:45am-10:00am; Limited to 12 registrants; $60 at half-past dark, and fighting the elements of nature to experience the Meet at Starbucks’ parking lot off N. Wickham RD. (7351 Shoppes Dr. beauty of nature. The ecstasy is bringing those hard-earned images to Melbourne, FL 32940). Join bird and nature photographer Maxis Gamez for a morning of field life in the computer. Using the holistic approach to photography, we will techniques every bird photographer needs to be aware of. Learn what briefly go through the steps of making good images in camera with it takes to create award winning images from experienced Nat. Geo the computer in mind, and then make them great using up-to-date published bird photographer Maxis Gamez. software. We will be focusing on Lightroom 5, NIK/Google plug-ins, and Field techniques includes: Before approach equipment settings, what to some of the highlights of Photoshop that we can’t live without. look for and avoid, how to take full advantage of the opportunity, what works and what doesn’t work and much more. Bring your camera, long lens, flash and of course a tripod. Gamez: From Bird Watcher to Bird Photographer – Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetland at Viera Jan. 21, 4:00pm-6:30pm; Limited to 12 registrants; $60 Meet at Starbucks’ parking lot off N. Wickham RD. (7351 Shop- pes Dr. Melbourne, FL 32940). You love birding and you want to learn how to create better photos. This field workshop is for you! Join bird and nature photographer Maxis Gamez for an afternoon of everything you need to know about getting you started in bird photography. Learn how to do it right from the very beginning and avoid the hassle and frustration many new photographers go thru. From equipment, camera settings to advanced field techniques. This seminar is for everyone getting into bird photography! A Day at Merritt Island. Photo by Milton Heiberg

40 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org photography & digiscoping

importance of perspective, When low is too low, How to keeping your horizon straight, What Works-and-Doesn’t Work, and much more. Karlson: Wildlife Photography Basics Jan. 24, 3:30pm-5:00pm; 113; Limited to 30 registrants; $40 Kevin Karlson (Kevin T. Karlson Photography) This short indoor workshop covers the importance of composition in every wildlife image you take. Many photographers on all levels don’t understand the impact that background scenery and lighting plays when taking a telephoto wildlife image. While landscape photographers incorporate a number of compositional rules when shooting the ‘perfect scene’, telephoto photographers often concentrate only on their subject and neglect the supporting scene. The presence of dark shadows and harsh lighting are two major problems for creating a pleasing photograph, as is a cluttered or annoying background that lacks proper balance. This workshop covers a few compositional basics, but concentrates on trying to instill a conscious awareness for Photo by Maxis Gamez quickly analyzing the entire scene to eliminate a number of problems Gamez: Birds in Flight Photography – My Secrets! – Blue while shooting a wildlife subject. Your artistic evaluation of the scene Heron Wetlands is a key to creating a more pleasing wildlife image, and this right brain exercise may be fine tuned with practice. Kevin will share his insight Jan. 22, 6:45am-10:00am; Limited to 12 registrants; $60; with composition, lighting and overall artistic balance of a wildlife scene, Meet at Cracker Barrel’s parking lot off Cheney Hwy. (4745 Helen Hauser Blvd, Titusville, FL 32780). and also explain how to enhance and improve your photographs using a Are you having a difficult time photographing birds in flight? Are few basic Photoshop corrections when unwanted backgrounds cannot you looking for a different technique that can help you improve your be avoided. This is not a technically orientated workshop, but one that chances of photographing birds in flight? Learn step-by-step how covers basic composition and photo preparation. Bring a couple of your to successfully photograph birds in flight. This hands-on equipment favorite photos on a flash drive (jpegs) for review by Kevin and the class. seminar is all about panning and how to manage your focusing system Karlson: Outdoor Session: Wildlife Photography Basics using a very unique technique. Topics covered during this seminar are: Jan. 22, 6:45am-11:00am; Limited to 12 participants; $60 Long lens panning technique using your tripod, hand held panning techniques using your short and long lens, how to manage your focusing system to work for you and how manual exposure affects your final results. The Blue Heron wetland area is a popular site for bird watching and photography enthusiasts. It is listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail. It is often included as a field trip for the renowned annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife festival. Gamez: Manual Exposure, Studying Your Histogram, Composition and How-To Optimize Your Fill Flash Tech- nique Jan. 22, (12:30pm – 2:00pm) Limited to 30 registrants; $35; Room 113 Manual exposure is a topic a lot of photographers struggle with. Learn how to manage your exposure by studying and analyzing your histogram. This seminar is full of information and will help you understand the key element of a successful fill flash technique that will change your photography. Let Maxis Gamez, a professional photographer, be your guide and help you understand how to make these techniques work for you. Topics covered in this seminar: understanding manual exposure; how to read and analyze your histogram for the ultimate exposure control; a key tool every photographer should have and how to use it; composition and subject interaction; and fill flash the easy way. No more boring images! Gamez: Shorebird Photography Tips, Techniques, What You Need and The Perfect Approach Jan. 22, (3:00pm – 4:30pm) Limited to 30 registrants; $35 ; Room 113 This seminar is dedicated to help you photograph shorebirds like never before! Learn how to make your subject powerful in the frame. From perspective to equipment care, this seminar will change your bird photography! Topics covered in this seminar include: The perfect approaching technique, How to handle your equipment from the elements, The Semipalmated Sandpiper lift-up. Photo by Kevin T. Karlson

41 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org photography & digiscoping

Tricolored Heron and Snowy Egret dispute. Photo by Kevin T. Karlson Meet in the parking lot of Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera at 7:00am. Be prepared to start our trek along the dikes at that time. Kevin Karlson (Kevin T. Karlson Photography) Viera Wetlands is a wonderful location to practice your compositional skills, and awareness of lighting and backgrounds, with a variety of accommodating wildlife subjects. Kevin will work with a small group of photographers and explain different perspectives for shooting each scene. Lighting, composition and overall artistic balance will be the focus of this workshop, with hands-on experience a great way to learn how to create a better wildlife photograph. We will also work on techniques for capturing the best possible flight and action photo, with camera settings and panning techniques included. Individual attention will be given to each participant, so come and take your bird and wildlife photography skill to the next level. Knight: Hybrid Nature Photography Jan 22, 9:00-10:00;119; limited to 40 registrants; $20 Virtually every digital camera on the market today is capable of capturing high definition video, but many photographers don’t use this feature. Maybe they don’t know the best settings for shooting video, or maybe they just don’t know what to dowith their video clips. How about you? Are you taking advantage of the video features inside of your camera? Panasonic LUMIX Luminary Rob Knight will show you how you can add video into your workflow to make your photography POP. This program is not about how to replace your still photography, it is about how to enhance and support your photos by adding motion. You’ll learn tips and techniques for capturing great video with your DSLR and you’ll learn what features make shooting stills and video easy. Rob will demonstrate some examples of “hybrid photography” and show you how to use inexpensive easy-to-use software to blend your video clips and still images into presentations you can be proud of.

42 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org photography & digiscoping

Digiscoping Introduction to Digiscoping Jan. 23, 9:15am-10:30am; 123; Limited to 40 registrants; $15 Ben Lizdas (Eagle Optics) Digiscoping is a simple and effective way to capture images of wildlife at a distance using a spotting scope and digital camera, even your cell phone’s camera. This seminar will cover the equipment basics of a good digiscoping set-up, including adapters, scopes, eyepieces, cameras, and tripods. We will discuss cost-performance benefits of different types of glass and how it can affect your digiscoped photos. We will also touch on field technique and image post-processing. We will conclude with a question and answer session. Digiscoping Field Trip Jan. 23, 8:00am-11:00am; Limited to 30 registrants; $15 Jan. 24, 2:00pm-5:00pm; Limited to 30 registrants; $15 Jan. 25, 8:00am-11:00am; Limited to 30 registrants; $15 Meet in the parking lot for Parrish Park Boat Ramp (north side by the picnic pavilions) at the east end of Titusville Cswy. Clay Taylor (Swarovski Optik) This field workshop serves as a “how-to” for new digiscopers and those interested in starting digiscoping as well as refining techniques Photo by Rob Knight for current digiscopers. Participants should bring their scopes, tripods, ability to photograph distant birds through their spotting scope by using cameras and adapters. We will cover the basics of field shooting with a digital camera. Here's the catch - you have to bring your camera with emphasis on hands-on instruction. you while you're out birding. There are a LOT of birders that forget to pack the camera, so when a great bird shows up, they can't get a photo. Digiscoping with Digital SLR Cameras What’s the camera that you don’t leave home without? Your cell phone! Jan. 22, 8:30am-10:00am; 123; Limited to 40 registrants; $15 Here is a program that will help you learn how to take remarkably good Clay Taylor (Swarovski Optik) photos and videos using your cell phone through a spotting scope. Bring Recent popularity of interchangeable-lens D-SLR cameras creates your phone and spotting scope, and we will discuss setups, adapters, new opportunities, as well as problems, for digiscopers. If you are and field techniques. contemplating the purchase of a D-SLR or already own one and want to use it for digiscoping, we will cover the equipment needed, help you do the math and cover field techniques. Digiscoping with Cell Phone Jan. 22, 10:00am-11:30am; 123; Limited to 40 registrants; $15 Clay Taylor (Swarovski Optik) Digiscoping has been around for at least a dozen years, giving birders the

Photo by Brevard Nature Alliance Photo by Brevard Nature Alliance

43 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org world digiscoper meeting Sponsored by Swarovski Optik

Placing the lens of a digital camera to the eyepiece of a spotting scope to take photos is called “digiscoping.” It’s caught on big-time with birders because you can take good (often great) pictures without a long, expensive, heavy telephoto lens.

More recently, as cell phone cameras have been improved to the point where they take photos with excellent quality, cell phone photographers have created a new type of digiscoping – now called “Phonescoping”. Especially for birders that are not avid photographers, Phonescoping is an increasingly popular way to document birds in the field and immediately share them with friends and social media outlets like Instagram and FaceBook.

Digiscopers from North America and across the world are invited to attend the World Digiscopers Meeting, held simultaneously at the Space Coast Photo by Joel Reynolds Birding and Wildlife Festival, meeting face-to- face with other digiscopers that they might have known for years only through online forums send e-mail communications.

Clay Taylor, Swarovski Optik Naturalist Market Manager, wants to provide an opportunity for this growing accessory to birding and wildlife watching to be explored, discussed, shared, used competitively and pleasurably and as an essential learning experience. The Festival activities listed below encourages those experienced in this technique, beginners and those interested in starting digiscoping to be a partner in these added classroom and field workshops.

Be sure to bring your phone, favorite camera and spotting scope. If you do not have all these items, plan to participate with what you have. This will be fun, a great way to meet others who are into this AND an outstanding learning experience.

Please observe parking and driving guidelines posted at most area locations such as Viera Wetlands, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Blue Heron Wetlands and others. schedule Please register for the WORLD DIGISCOPER MEETING at www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org. The cost per person is $160. This one-time registration will provide your check-in and entry to the following activities:

44 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org world digiscoper meeting

Tuesday, 1/20/2015 Friday, 1/23/2015 Meet and Greet at Dixie Crossroads, 4:00-6:30pm The Art of Digiscoping – North, Central and South Receive you Information Packet – Review & discuss activities for the Americas EFSC AUD, 2:00-3:00 week – Presentations by Clay Taylor and others from the Swarovski The Art of Digiscoping – Europe, Africa and Asia Digiscoping Gourp – Selection and break into Competition Teams – EFSC AUD, 3:30-4:30 Set-up and locations for Digiscoping Team Competition on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 - Cash Bar and select meal from Dixie Special Menu. Saturday, 1/24/2014 Wednesday, 1/21/2015 ALL DAY The Art of Digiscoping – Digiscoping Videos EFSC AUD, 2:00-3:00 Space Coast Digiscoping Team Event (SCBWF Credentials may assist your entry to area locations). This The Art of Digiscoping – Digiscoping with Your Cell event is open to all those registering for the World Digiscoper’s Phone EFSC AUD, 3:30-4:30 Meeting. Teams of two digiscopers each will have all-day Wednesday These presentatons showcase the best images from the collections of to travel throughout FL and take pictures of birds, mammals, insects, or some of the top digiscopers in the world. The images will be presented whatever else interests them. by the digiscopers themselves, with comments about the where, when, and how they were taken. The four themes will be – Thursday, 1/22/2015 *The Americas – North, Central and South Americas Digiscoping Team Luncheon at Holiday Inn, Titusville, *Europe, Africa and Asia 12:30-3:00pm *Digiscoping Videos Meet at Holiday Inn – Hwy 50 and I-95. All THE Digiscoping Teams will *Digiscoping with Your Cell Phone meet on Thursday for Lunch and to then show their best images from the day before. All attendees of the Showcase will vote on their favorite There will be multiple presenters within each presentation, including images in 6 categories (but not limited to) Tara Tanaka, Robert Wilson, Kevin Bolton, Sharon **Non-digiscopers can also attend the Luncheon and Showcase. Please Stiteler, and Clay Taylor from North America, Register separately for this event as listed on the Registration Form Danny Porter of “Danny’s Digiscoping” from the UK and Gudrun cost: $20.00 Kaufman, Jorg Kretzchmar and Dale Forbes from Europe. the world digiscoping blitz Photo by Joel Reynolds

Sat., Jan. 24, 8:00am-Noon

The World Digiscoping Blitz is modeled after the “Bio Blitz” event first organized by Peter Alden in MA, where biologists had 24 hours to inventory EVERY living creature within a city park.

The World Digiscoping Blitz is simple – DIGISCOPERS ACROSS THE WORLD from the West Coast of North America to Eastern Europe will SIMULTANEOUSLY go out into the field and in only FOUR HOURS digiscope every bird, insect, arachnid, or mammal (maybe even fish?) that they can find. If it walks, crawls, or flies, it is eligible for inclusion.

They will then post their images (with species names) More details will be available as the event draws near. Watch the Festival web site to an online site within 8 hours. The goal is to see how as changes cannot be made to the Program printed info. All is a work in progress... many different species IN TOTAL can be digiscoped, identified, and posted. Covering all of North America, Final results and other associated information will be announced by Clay Taylor: Central and South America, Western Europe, Africa and a. By email to all who participated Madagascar, there are potentially ten thousand species b. On the Festival FaceBook page that might be included. How many can you contribute? c. On the Festival web site front page

45 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org pelagic birding trip pelagic birding boat trip Jan. 26, 6:30am-6:00pm Limited to 110 registrants; $120 Trip Leader will be Michael Brothers (Marine Science Center); co- leaders will be Tom Dunkerton; Trip Photographer (Nikon Pro Staff); Amay Ayyash (Author); Dave Godwin (Florida Nature Tours); David Hartgrove (Florida Nature Tours); Ric Zarwell (Rock Jumper); Lauri- lee Thompson (SCBWF Founder); Steve Ritt (Naturalist) Meet at the Pastime Princess/Dolphin View Seafood Restaurant: I-95 north from Titusville. From I-95, take Exit #249, go east approx. 3 miles (past Walgreens on the right). Get into the left lane and look for a sign that says Business 44 Left. Take this left fork and follow the road over the railroad tracks and through the traffic lights (Dixie Fwy). The road becomes Canal St. and ends at the water. Turn left onto Riverside Dr. and continue north (approx. 300 feet) on River- side Dr. until you reach the Pastime Princess/Dolphin View Seafood Restaurant on the right. From US 1, go east on Canal St. to the dead end at the water. Turn left on Riverside Dr. and go to Pastime Princess/ Dolphin View Seafood Restaurant on the right. Drive time Photo by Tom Dunkerton is about 45 minutes. Please be onboard the boat by 6:00am. Pastime Captain George at the helm - to look for some of the sought-after bird Princess 386-427-5393. There will be food available for purchase species in Florida. on the boat or you can bring a small cooler with your lunch. Be sure to bring full rain gear and wear waterproof shoes as it is likely the Our destination will be to reach a productive location near the western wind will blow and spray will fly! Weather Back-up Day is Jan. 27, edge of the Gulf Stream. However, we may alter course from time to 6:30am-6:00pm. time as the Trip Leader may observe the gathering of birds in another SPECIAL NOTE: Receive a $10 discount toward this Pelagic Boat Trip direction or to chase down a bird or flock of birds for a closer look. One when you register for and attend the classroom presentation “Pelagic way to get the birds nearer to the boat is to chum. Chum is produced Birds of Florida’s Northeast Coast.” using a number of food items and is periodically tossed overboard to Pelagic birds are species that spend a significant portion of their lives attract the birds as well as other sea creatures. on the open ocean, rarely venturing to land except to breed. Pelagic These birds are commonly seen on the East Coast and may be seen birds are powerful fliers that can remain aloft for hours while gliding on this trip: or soaring. Long-time birders Mottled Duck Lesser Scaup know that a pelagic trip can Black Scoter Common Loon be as exciting as birding can Brown Pelican Northern Gannet get, and offshore pelagic trips Double-crested Cormorant Brown Booby in Florida offer a new frontier. Razorbill Great Blue Heron New birders are in for an Great Egret Snowy Egret unforgettable experience. For Black-crowned Night-Heron Osprey all birders, this is an exciting Bald Eagle Cooper’s Hawk opportunity to add to your life- Black-bellied Plover Greater Yellowlegs list. We will steam out of Ponce Ruddy Turnstone Purple Sandpiper Inlet aboard the 100-foot Red Phalarope Pomarine Jaeger fishing boat - Pastime Princess Parasitic Jaeger Bonaparte’s Gull with Pelagic-trip-experienced Laughing Gull Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Great Black-backed Gull Bridled Tern Common Tern Royal Tern Sandwich Tern Forster’s Tern Black Skimmer Belted Kingfisher American Robin Rock Pigeon Boat-tailed Grackle Although the emphasis of our Pelagic trip is clearly on birds, we want this to be a well-rounded experience with all of the offshore wildlife - birds, whales, dolphins, fish, sea turtles, or something else - to be observed. The endangered northern right whale is a possibility as the destination is within their wintertime calving grounds. These sea-dwellers were seen on the January 2012 trip: Right Whale - 8 individuals; Humpback Whale - I individual breaching; Bottlenose Dolphin; Pantropical Dolphin; Loggerhead Turtle and an Ocean TOP: Photo by Tom Dunkerton. BOTTOM: The Pastime Princess. Sunfish. 46 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org special features & family fun All Festival activities are suitable for young When Eagles Roar people and many are of with James Currie…………...... pg 48 educational value for K-12. The following activities may be of particular The Raptor Project...... pg 49 interest to families. Youth under 12 years of age are admitted free to all Classroom presentations Learn to Make an Oyster Mat and Keynote presentations special festival project..…...... pg 49 when accompanied by a paying adult. Registration is required. Please see pages listed for information. Make Your Own Bird Feeder special festival project..…...... pg 50 Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Rendezvous with the Raptors 4th annual...... …...... pg 50

Family Scavenger Hunt 2nd annual...... …...... pg 50

47 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org special features & family fun

JAMES CURRIE of Nikon's Birding Adventures TV presents when eagles roar The Amazing Journey of an African Wildlife Adventurer Jan 22, 8:15pm-9:15 pm; aud; limited to 150 registrants; $20

Most people know James Currie as the host of the popular Birding Adventures TV show. Join James Currie as he tells stories and reads excerpts from his upcoming book When Eagles Roar. James’ story begins with his roots in South Africa growing up under apartheid. His love of wildlife and birds, craving for adventure, and his mischievous nature lead him into humorous and life threatening situations. A childhood spent roaming freely on Table Mountain, exciting adventures as a game ranger and birding guide, working as the Managing Director of Africa Foundation and his emotional decision to move to the States to start his own birding TV show are described in detail in this book. But, as the Zulus say, “there is no river without a shade”. James provides a rare personal glimpse into the profound effect that AIDs is having on society in his homeland. He details his own journey overcoming physical challenges and finding the balance between following passions and what’s important in life. Join James for a book signing after the talk.

48 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org special features & family fun

Sponsored by the www.raptorproject.com raptor project The Raptor Project is an extraordinary and outstanding array of eagles, prey in the world, with raptors from every habitat Leader in hawks, falcons and owls that have won the attention of enthralled on the planet. His frequent road tours take him to Premier Energy Service audiences throughout the nation. The Raptor Project leads the way in many major events, fairs and festivals as well as outstanding, top quality, professional wildlife education. a variety of colleges, schools, museums and wildlife centers. Along with Jonathan Wood, president and founder of The Raptor Project is his feathered friends he is regularly highlighted on national television a federally licensed Master Falconer, Wildlife Rehabilitator, Raptor including ESPN, CBN, TBN, Animal Planet, The Learning Channel, The Propagator and Game Bird Breeder and is also licensed to handle Today Show, Good Morning America and The Early Show. eagles and endangered species for educational programs. Many of the birds in The Raptor Project have permanent handicaps and The Raptor Project is one of the largest traveling collections of birds of have been donated to his project by crowded wildlife centers around the country. Unable to be re-introduced to the wild they have been trained to educate the public as charming ambassadors of their species and the environments they inhabit. This presentation is appreciated by all ages. EFSC Gym Stage; Limited to 50 participants per performance $5; (Children under 12 Free – must be accompanied by an adult). Please register for a reserved seat. Show Times Thursday, Jan. 22 10:00am, 2:00pm & 3:30pm Friday, Jan. 23 10:00am, 2:00pm & 3:30pm Saturday, Jan. 24 10:00am, 2:00pm & 3:30pm Sunday, Jan. 25 11:00am Note: Seating is available for 50 persons. All children must be seated with an adult. Cameras are allowed, but please do not block others views when taking photos. Photo by Roy Thoman PER FIRE REGULATIONS: There will be no standing in the aisles. learn to make an oyster mat A Special Festival Project Central Florida. The Oyster Restoration Project is unique in that it is a powerful Jan. 24 & 25, 10:00am-3:00pm; See the Information Desk for more tool in restoring aquatic habitat and it provides an opportunity for information everyone to participate in hands-on conservation effort. Oysters have Melinda Donnelly, University of Central Florida and member, BNA great potential for restoring the health of the Indian River Lagoon. Board of Directors An oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day and can remove Easy to do – enjoy visiting with others – no competition. excess nitrogen in the water that leads to brown tides and other algae Help our local environment and pay it forward by helping to lower your blooms. carbon impact associated with travel to and in Brevard County. This is a Dr. Linda Walters, researcher at University of Central Florida, began this special project in partnership with the Brevard Zoo and the University of project several years ago. Working at first with the Nature Conservancy, the project used volunteers from many organizations as well as school Environmental groups and set up mat-making at events throughout Brevard County. Volunteers are taught to place plastic lattice mats with oyster shells tied on them to recruit new oysters. They drill holes in the oyster shells and zip-tie them to the plastic mats. The mats then placed in select water areas and weighted down the mats with the concrete rings normally used to guard yard sprinkler heads. To date, volunteers have restored 1.8 acres of oyster reef, adding almost 4.2 million oysters to Mosquito Lagoon. That’s enough to filter 210 million gallons daily,

Oyster mat photos or about 318 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

49 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org special features & family fun

4th annual 2nd annual rendezvous family

Hostedwith by the Brevardthe Zoo raptors scavenger hunt The BNA is super excited! Saturday, January 24, along with the Space Coast Chapter of the Audubon Society and the Young Birders of Brevard, we will have our 2nd Annual Family Scavenger Hunt. Stop by the Space Coast Audubon Society booth to pick up a bird checklist. Search for bird photos randomly placed at assorted booths throughout the exhibit hall. Have fun and see how many birds you can locate and identify. Check off the bird and write the booth number on your list and return your list to the Space Coast Audubon booth. Each family will receive a gift for their participation. The event will run from 11 am to 4 pm. Nyami Nyami River Lodge at Brevard Zoo Hurry In! Space is limited. Please park in the south parking lot. This event is to benefit the 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, 5:30pm-8:00pm; Tickets $30

You may register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-rendezvous- with-the-raptors-tickets-13910451535 OR for reservations please email or call Rhonda Harris at 321-268-5224 or [email protected]

Spend a casual but exciting evening with outstanding eagles, hawks, falcons and owls that have won the attention of enthralled audiences throughout the nation. Hors d’oeuvres and Cash Bar. Door prizes and 50/50 Photo opportunity for an up-close and personal photo with a Raptor. Photo by Tom Dunkerton

Sponsored by Ace Hardware - Titusville Ace Hardware is furnishing the hangers and birdseed make your own for this project. You will be able to help your child with placing the hanger in a plastic bottle, filling it with birdseed and finding a good spot for hanging your new feeder in a tree at home. See the Information Desk for bird feeder more information. 50 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org water adventures local area information Welcome to Titusville and Florida's Space Coast! Titusville and the entire Brevard County Area is a fabulous place to visit for anyone who loves outdoor adventures and exploring natural places. The area boasts a variety of habitats to explore - from coastal scrub and

forest uplands - to open prairies and Roseate Spoonbill. Photo by Reinier Munguia maritime hammocks. Brevard County - The Space Coast- has incredible biological diversity due to its location. Wildlife including aquatic creatures like manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles and airborne species including the Roseate Spoonbill and Bald Eagle, are just a kayak trip or boat ride away! Photo by Brevard Nature Alliance We hope you take the time to GET OUTSIDE and explore the wonderful sites of Titusville and the Space Coast while you are here attending the 18th Annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival.

Photo by Brevard Nature Alliance

51 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org local area information area restaurants Asian House Restaurant...... 321-269-8900 Kloiber's Cobbler...... 321-383-0689 407 Cheney Hwy., Titusville In Historic Downtown, 337 S. Washington Ave., Titusville Bapa’s Bistro & Bar...... 321-383-0200 La Bamba...... 321-268-6960 Inside Holiday Inn, 4715 Helen Hauser Blvd., Titusville 3758 S. Washington Ave., Titusville Beef O’Brady’s...... 321-268-2929 Louis’s BBQ Shack...... 321-264-1446 2825 Garden St., Suite 9, Titusville 2191 N. US Hwy. 1, Mims Buffet Village...... 321-268-1778 Loyd Have Mercy...... 321-269-1008 3125 Columbia Blvd., Titusville In Searstown Mall, 3550 S. Washington Ave., Titusville Cafe’ Chocolat...... 321-267-1713 Mr. Submarine & Salads...... 321-383-1616 In Historic Downtown, 304 S. Washington Ave., Titusville 2850 S. Hopkins Ave., Titusville Chops...... 321-385-2467 Portofino Italian Grill...... 321-567-0636 In Historic Downtown, 336 S Washington Ave., Titusville 3350 S. Washington Ave., Titusville Cracker Barrel...... 321-268-9911 Shiloh's Steak & Seafood...... 321-269-3133 4575 Helen Houser Blvd., Titusville 3665 S. Washington Ave., Titusville David’s Café...... 321-269-2545 Sonny’s Bar-B-Que...... 321-385-2665 2480 S Washington Ave., Titusville 2900 Cheney Hwy., Titusville Denny’s...... 321-268-4527 The Coffee Shoppe...... 321-267-9902 In Ramada Inn KSC, 3500 Cheney Hwy., Titusville 125 Broad St., Titusville Dixie Crossroads...... 321-268-5000 Valentino’s Family Restaurant ...... 321-268-5999 1475 Garden St., Titusville St. Johns Plaza, 3241 Garden St., Titusville Dogs ‘R’ Us...... 321-269-9050 Valentino’s NY-Style Pizza...... 321-269-9559 4200 S Washington Ave., Titusville In Searstown Mall, 3550 S. Washington Ave., Titusville Durango’s...... 321-264-2499 Victorios...... 321-267-1950 In Best Western complex, 3435 Cheney Hwy., Titusville 1701 N. US Hwy. 1, Titusville El Leoncito...... 321-267-6743 Viet River Restaurant...... 321-600-0800 4280 S. Washington Ave., Titusville 1817 S. Washington Ave., Titusville Honeysuckles...... 321-267-9533 Village Inn...... 321-267-6611 2203 N. US Hwy. 1, Mims 2925 S. Washington Ave., Titusville Kelsey’s Pizza...... 321-268-5555 2845 Garden St., Titusville get your exercise on at the titusville ymca The Titusville YMCA wishes to welcome our Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival visitors. The purpose of our Y is to improve lives of all in Central Florida by connecting individuals, families and communities with opportunities based on Christian values that strengthen Spirit, Mind & Body. We wish to invite you and your family to exercise with us at the Titusville YMCA while participating in the festival and visiting the beautiful Space Coast. We are located at 2400 Harrison St, Titusville, FL 32780. We can be reached at 321-267-8924. Please be sure to bring photo identification and complete a guest waiver prior to using our YMCA facility.

52 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org local area information things to do area lodging for the non-birding family Hotels Quality Inn Kennedy Space Center, Titusville ...... 321-269-7110 member or friend 2015 HOST HOTEL Best Western Space Shuttle Inn, Titusville ...... 321-269-9100 The 2015 Festival offers many local alternatives for non-birders Days Inn Kennedy Space Center, Titusville ...... 321-269-4480 and recommends some Festival events as well. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Titusville ...... 321-385-1818 • Tour the Titusville Historic Museum (Downtown Titusville) Hampton Inn Titusville-Kennedy Space Center ...... 321-383-9191 • Tour the Space Walk of Fame and Museum Holiday Inn Titusville-Kennedy Space Center...... 321-383-0200 (Downtown Titusville) Ramada Inn & Suites, Titusville ...... 321-269-5510 • Visit the quaint shops and art galleries in Downtown Super 8, Titusville-Kennedy Space Center...... 321-269-9310 Titusville, then have lunch in one of the great restaurants. Best Western Cocoa Inn, Cocoa ...... 321-632-1065 Country Inn and Suites, Cape Canaveral ...... 321-868-8582 • Tour the Police Hall of Fame and Museum. Courtyard by Marriott, Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach...321-784-4800 • KSC Visitor Center, Bus Tour, Atlantis Viewing Opportunity Doubletree by Hilton Oceanfront, Cocoa Beach...... 321-783-9222 and the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Hampton Inn, Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach ...... 321-799-4099 • Visit the Space Coast Geocaching Store in Merritt Island. Radisson Resort at the Port, Cape Canaveral ...... 321-784-0000 • Tour the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral. Residence Inn, Cape Canaveral ...... 321-323-1100 Royal Mansions, Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach ...... 321-784-8484 • Visit the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne. Best Western Ocean Beach Hotel & Suites, Cocoa Beach ...321-783-7621 • Visit the Dinosaur Store and Museum in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach Suites, Cocoa Beach ...... 321-783-6868 • Visit the Exhibit Center, Silent Auction and Art Show. Days Inn, Cocoa Beach ...... 321-784-2550 • See our Water Adventures Section on page 50 for Four Points by Sheraton, Cocoa Beach ...... 321-783-8717 Additional Outdoor Fun! International Palms Resort Cocoa Beach ...... 800-206-2797 *Sign up for the Raptor Project - on stage in the Exhibit Sea Esta Villas, Cocoa Beach ...... 321-783-1739 Center. Fairfield Inn & Suites, Viera/Melbourne/Palm Bay ...... 321-722-2220 Holiday Inn Expresss, Palm Bay ...... 321-220-2003 *Tour the historic Pritchard House with docents in period dress. Hampton Inn, Viera ...... 321-255-6868 America's Best Value Inn & Suites, Melbourne ...... 321-768-8439 *These activities require Candlewood Suites, Melbourne...... 321-821-9009 that you complete a Hilton Rialto Place, Melbourne ...... 321-768-0200 SCBWF Registration as seats/trip space is limited. Bed & Breakfasts A great afternoon meeting place will be the afternoon Casa Coquina Bed & Breakfast, Titusville ...... 321-268-4653, Keynote Social where you 877-684-8341 (USA only) can enjoy a beverage and Sea Glass Inn, Melbourne Beach ...... 321-725-7558 snack and meet new or old friends. RV Parks (RVs only) Great Outdoors Golf & Country Club, Titusville ...... 321-269-5004, We are available by phone 800-621-2267 to discuss alternative Seasons in the Sun RV Park, Titusville-Mims ...... 321-385-0440 preferences and suggested non-birder and Willow Lakes RV & Golf Resort, Titusville 321-269-7440, 877-787-2571 family-oriented activities. Campgrounds Contact the Festival office at 321-268-5224. Cape Kennedy KOA, Titusville ...... 321-269-7361, 800-562-3365 Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Photo by Tom Dunkerton Manatee Hammock Campground, Titusville ...... 321-264-5083

53 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org water adventures water With an abundance of rivers, creeks andadventures estuaries to explore, these trips showcase some of the Space Coast’s very best locales. Estuary trips may provide glimpses of bottle-nose dolphin. Sightings of manatees in open estuarine waters at this time of the year are possible depending on water temperatures. The weather can be uncertain at the end of January. It is advisable that you contact the provider on the afternoon before the scheduled trip. Be sure to ask the provider what you need to bring to make your trip more enjoyable. Note: Make reservations directly with Water Adventure provider as required. The Festival is not responsible for transactions between provid- ers and attendees. AirBoat Rides at MidWay Reservation Info: 407-568-6790, fax 407-568-6792, or email [email protected]. Special SCBWF. One Hour Eco Tour Jan. 21, 22, 23, 24 25, 26, 9:30am-3:30pm; $35/person

Merritt Island Boat Tours Reservation info: 407-927-8869 or www. merrittislandboattours.com. Daily boat tours through Haulover Canal and surrounding islands. Call for more info. 2-hour photography sunrise bird by boat tour to Mullethead Migratory Bird Island Jan. 22-26, 4:15pm-6:15pm; $40/person; Reservations only.

Kayaks by Bo Hobie Kayak Demonstrations Kayaks at Chain Of Lakes. Photo by Ray Scory Jan. 22-25; 12:00-3:00; Chain of Lakes Park, Titusville; Free Meet at Chain of Lakes Park – From Eastern Palm Bay Kayaks Florida State College, turn north on US 1 Reservation info: www.palmbaykayaks.com, 321-215-1707 or tours@ and go to the first traffic light – turn east palmbaykayaks.com. on Truman Scarborough Way – follow this road to the entrance of the park and turn Turkey Creek Sanctuary Paddle and Hike right to go to the lake nearest the soccer Jan. 21 & Jan. 25, 8am-12pm; $49/person; Limited to 10-12 fields. Signs will direct you where to park. participants. Kayaks by Bo will have an array of Hobie Meet at Pollak Boat Ramp on Main St. just West of RR tracks and Rt. 1 kayaks for you to “kick the tires” and see off Palm Bay Rd. how you fit in one of these well-made and outstanding performance kayaks. Tom Altif 2 Hour Paddle into Goat Creek (Kayaks by Bo) and others will be available Jan. 22, Sunrise, 6:30am-9am; Midday, 11am-1:30pm, $35/person to assist you and answer your questions. with kayak rental, $20/person with own kayak; Limited to 10-12 Participation is free with no registration participants. Meet just north of Valkaria Rd. on Eastern side of Rt. 1. required. 3+ Hour Paddle to Spoil Islands and Goat Creek Jan. 23, Sunrise, 6:30am-10am; Afternoon 12pm-3:30pm, $39/person with kayak rental, $20/person with own kayak; Limited to 10-12 participants. Meet just north of Valkaria Rd. on Eastern side of Rt. 1. 3+ Hour Paddle Turkey Creek Sanctuary Jan. 24, 26, 8:30am-12pm; 1;30pm-5pm, $39/person with kayak rental, $20/person with own kayak; Limited to 10-12 participants. Meet at Pollak Park Boat Ramp on Main St. just West of RR tracks and Rt. 1 off Palm Bay Rd.

Photo by Kevin Karlson 54 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org 55 The 18th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival www.SpaceCoastBirdingandWildlifeFestival.org Brevard Nature Alliance NON-PROFIT ORG P.O. Box 517 U.S. POSTAGE Titusville, FL 32781-0517 PAID COCOA, FL 32926 PERMIT #297